The NHS trust which runs Queen's Hospital in Romford has been ordered to improve after failing to respond to hundreds of information requests.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust’s (BHRUT) non-compliance was “risking public trust”.

It was found to have a backlog of 785 requests in June, up from 589 in April.

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, citizens have a right to access information held by public bodies. That includes the NHS, as well as government departments, local authorities, state schools and police forces.

They are obliged to respond to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests within 20 working days of receiving them.

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The ICO first contacted BHRUT in June last year, after receiving a number of complaints about its slow response rate.

It was revealed that, over 12 months, the trust had responded to only 29 per  cent of requests within the 20-day timeframe. In January, it dealt with just 2.5pc.

BHRUT will now need to produce an action plan to show the ICO how it will clear its 785-strong backlog by the end of the year.

Matthew Trainer, the trust’s chief executive, said its response to FOI requests “has not been good enough”.

He added: “We’ve faced significant challenges, including staff shortages.

“We are working hard to improve and have responded on time to 99pc of new requests since May. We have an action plan to address our backlog and will publish regular updates on our progress.”

The trust was given 35 days to present the plan.

Phillip Angell, who handles FOI complaints at the ICO, said: “Everyone should have the ability to access public information.

“When this information is not received or is significantly delayed, it undermines people’s fundamental rights. This lack of transparency can also create unwanted barriers, risking public trust in the organisations we turn to at our most vulnerable.”

He added: “There are very clear legal requirements when it comes to FOI requests and therefore these failures have unfortunately resulted in regulatory action.”

An FOI request can only be turned down if it would be too expensive or time-consuming to process, or if the information sought is personal.

Since their introduction, FOI requests have uncovered a wealth of data and facts that would have otherwise been kept hidden.

The MP expenses scandal – which led to prison sentences for five MPs and two peers – is perhaps the most prominent example. The mechanism has also been used to correlate car manufacturers and MOT failures, and publicise restaurant hygiene ratings.