Request
I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. In order to assist you with this request, I am outlining my query as specifically as possible.
I would like to know how many front-line staff in all hospitals under your jurisdiction in the East Midlands have received the vaccination against swine ‘flu.
I would like to know how many staff are eligible to receive the vaccination.
I would like to know how staff are being informed of the availability of the vaccination.
I would like to know how the take-up of the vaccination is being monitored.
I would like the data from that monitoring process indicating the level of take-up of the vaccination of staff at all hospitals in the East Midlands under your jurisdiction.
I would be interested in any information held by your organisation regarding my request.
I understand that I do not have to specify particular files or documents and that it is the responsibility of your department to provide the information I require.
Our Response
I refer to your email requesting information in respect of NHS East Midlands staff uptake in respect of swine 'flu.
I can confirm in accordance with S.1 (1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 that we do hold some of the information that you have requested. I will address each of your questions in turn:-
I would like to know how many front-line staff in all hospitals under your jurisdiction in the East Midlands have received the vaccination against swine ‘flu.
I would like to know how many staff are eligible to receive the vaccination.
http://www.eastmidlands.nhs.uk/the-local-nhs/nhs-organisations/
I would like to know how staff are being informed of the availability of the vaccination.
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NHS East Midlands does not hold a comprehensive log of all communication activity being undertaken in the region to support the vaccination programme. A comprehensive picture would need to be obtained from individual Trusts via the above link. However, at both the regional and local levels considerable work has been undertaken to inform and engage with staff – these activities include staff briefing sessions, dedicated intranet pages, newsletters, email updates, MP and stakeholder briefings, media releases, poster campaigns, and letters from senior staff.
I would like to know how the take-up of the vaccination is being monitored.
I would like the data from that monitoring process indicating the level of take-up of the vaccination of staff at all hospitals in the East Midlands under your jurisdiction.
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I can confirm that NHS East Midlands does hold this information. However, we are of the opinion that the exemption offered under Section 22 (1) (a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, which refers to information intended for publication at a later date, is engaged in this instance. We feel that early release of this information, which is yet to be validated by the Department of Health or assured for robustness, would provide an unrealistic view of the current situation. We therefore feel that the public interest in withholding the information at this stage outweighs the public interest in its disclosure.
I hope that this information is of use. If you are dissatisfied with the way in which we have dealt with your request you can ask us to review our decision by writing to:-
Mr Kevin Orford
Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Finance
NHS East Midlands
Octavia House
Interchange Business Park
Bostock's Lane
Sandiacre
Nottingham
NG10 5QG
If at the conclusion of any review you remain dissatisfied you may complain to the Information Commissioner who can be contacted at:-
The Office of the Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
