Request
Dear Sir/Madam
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 what proportion of your budget is spent on private contracts for the delivery of medical procedures and a list of all the companies that have contracts with you.
I would be interested in any information held by the organisation regarding my request. I understand that I do not have to specify particular files or documents and that it is the department’s responsibility to provide the information I require.
I would like to receive the information in electronic copy and will expect the results to be made available to the public.
If my request is denied in whole or part, I ask that you justify all deletions by reference to specific exemptions of the act. I will also expect you to release all non-exempt material. I, of course, reserve the right to appeal your decision to withhold any information or to charge excessive fees. I would be grateful if you could confirm in writing that you have received this request. I look forward to your response within 20 working days, as outlined by the statute. A time of when the information can be made present will be required after that.
Our Response
I refer to your email requesting information in respect of private contracts for the delivery of medical procedures.
I can confirm in accordance with S.1 (1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) that we do not hold the information that you have requested.
NHS East Midlands is part of the NHS Midlands and East cluster of SHAs comprising NHS East Midlands, NHS East of England and NHS West Midlands. The cluster came into being on 3 October 2011 and is one of four across England. Our SHA Cluster is responsible for ensuring that the £26 billion pounds spent on health and health care across the region delivers better services for patients and value for money.
As such, we ensure that local health systems operate effectively and efficiently for our population. This includes making certain that national standards and priorities are met so that the population across the cluster organisation is cared for in high quality, safe environments and services are continuously improved and developed. An absolute priority for us is improving health and reducing inequalities. As such, we have no direct patient involvement in terms of the delivery of medical procedures or associated contracts.
However, it might be the case that local NHS organisations can provide you with the information that you require and I am attaching a link to our website which will enable you to obtain this information in respect of East Midlands constituent organisations:
http://www.eastmidlands.nhs.uk/the-local-nhs/nhs-organisations/
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 Moosa Patel
Director of Corporate Affairs
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
