Clinic waiting times at Nobles Hospital

Summary

The requester asked for the most recent average waiting list figures for all clinics at Noble's Hospital. The Department of Health and Social Care responded by stating the information is already reasonably accessible on their website and provided a direct link along with an attached copy of the data.

Key Facts

• The request was received on 2019-11-27 and the response was issued on 2019-12-17.
• The authority cited Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015, noting the information is already reasonably accessible.
• The requested data is available on the Isle of Man Government website under the 'Outpatient Appointments' heading.
• The waiting time information on the website is updated quarterly.
• An attached copy of the requested information was provided to assist the requester.

Data Disclosed

• 2019-11-27
• 2019-12-17
• 1060361
• Section 20
• Freedom of Information Act 2015

Exemptions Cited

• Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Information already reasonably accessible)

Original Request

Please provide the most recent figures for the average waiting list for every clinic operated out of Noble's hospital, for example, but not exclusive to, the fracture clinic, the ultrasound clinic and the hearing clinic. Clarification sought, "It would be helpful to know, where you state "recent", the specific time frame you required. " Response "By most recent, I mean the most up to date figures.'.

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Interim Chief Executive: Angela Murray Freedom of Information Team Department of Health & Social Care Chief Executive’s Office Crookall House Demesne Road Douglas Isle of Man IM1 3QA Tel: (01624) 642621 Email: dhsc@foi.gov.im Website: www.gov.im/dhsc

Our ref: 1060361 17th December 2019

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on the 27th November 2019 and states:

"Please provide the most recent figures for the average waiting list for every clinic operated out of Noble's hospital, for example, but not exclusive to, the fracture clinic, the ultrasound clinic and the hearing clinic. Clarification sought, "It would be helpful to know, where you state "recent", the specific time frame you required." Response "By most recent, I mean the most up to date figures.'."

Our response to your request is as follows: While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, under section 20 of the Act, we are not required to provide information in response to a request if it is already reasonable accessible to you, whether free of charge or on payment of a fee. All of the information that you have requested is available from the Isle of Man Government website. The link is https://www.gov.im/about-the-government/departments/health-and-social- care/waiting-times/ under the heading “Outpatient Appointments”. This information is updated quarterly. In order to provide advice and assistance we have attached a copy of your requested information.

Please quote the reference number 1060361 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with this response to your freedom of information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post.

An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded.

If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi.

I will now close your request as of this date.

Yours sincerely