Make a Freedom of Information (FOI) Access Request

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA)

Informal process to obtain information

LHSC routinely provides information to the public and some records may already be available to you without making a request in writing under FIPPA. In keeping with past practice, informal requests for information are welcomed. LHSC Physicians and staff continue to release various kinds of general information, respond to routine inquiries, and provide copies of records as appropriate while respecting the need to protect privacy.

Browse LHSC’s website, contact the relevant departments(s) or contact the Freedom of Information Office if you have a question about information that may be available without submitting a formal FOI Access Request.

Formal Process

You may use LHSC’s Freedom of Information Access/Correction Request form (PDF) for the following purposes:

To make a request for access to general records of the hospital.
To request personal information about yourself; and
To request a correction to your personal information.

Please be as specific as possible in describing the records that you would like to access. The more specific your request, the more quickly and accurately it can be answered.

Once the FOI Office has received the completed form and fee, you will be contacted to review your request for access and clarify the request as needed. If you have questions or have not received a telephone call from us within 10 days of your request, please contact us at 519-685-8500 ext. 32996.

In most cases, you will receive a written response to your FOI access request within 30 days after the form and fee are received. In some cases, it may take longer to receive a response depending on the size and complexity of the request. Documents or information contained within a record may be redacted according to certain exclusions and exemptions under the Act.

If you have any questions about the access request or correction process, please contact the Freedom of Information Office.

Fee for making a FOI access request

A fee of $5 must accompany the Freedom of Information Access/Correction Request form. Please include a cheque or money order payable to LHSC or provide credit card information on page 2 of the Form. Please do not put cash in the mail.

Additional fees apply to access requests as dictated by the legislation and are the responsibility of the requestor. The Requestor will be contacted if the request exceeds $100.00 to confirm the requestor’s wish to proceed with the request. The requestor may be required to pay half of the anticipated cost prior to the FOI office proceeding. For more information about the fees and to review the fee schedule (PDF).