Deaths per annum

Summary

A request was made for detailed annual death statistics on the Isle of Man, including breakdowns by month, location, age, and specific causes like flu and pneumonia. The Department of Health and Social Care responded that they do not hold this information and therefore could not disclose it.

Key Facts

• The request was received on 2020-03-30 and the response was issued on 2020-05-05.
• The Department of Health and Social Care stated they do not hold the requested mortality data.
• The refusal was based on a practical reason under section 11(3)a of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.
• Applicants were advised to contact Public Health within the Cabinet Office for potential assistance.
• The request covered data for the last 5 years with specific breakdowns by month, location, age group, and cause of death.

Data Disclosed

• 2020-03-30
• 2020-05-05
• 1253781
• 5 years
• 0-20
• 21-40
• 41-60
• 61-80

Exemptions Cited

• Section 11(3)a of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Practical refusal: information not held)

Original Request

Kindly advise how many deaths we average on the island in 1 year broken down into months please for the last 5 years Broken down as well by at home or in hospital or other (eg hanging outside and similar not at home or hospital or accident) Can you also put into age groups eg 0-20 21-40 41-60 61-80 How many people die each year of the flu How many people die of pneumonia or are they classed as the same as flu. Many thanks

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Chief Executive: Kathryn Magson 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: 1253781 5th May 2020

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on the 30th March 2020 and states:

"Kindly advise how many deaths we average on the island in 1 year broken down into months please for the last 5 years? Broken down as well by at home or in hospital or other (e.g. hanging outside and similar not at home or hospital or accident). Can you also put into age groups e.g. 0-20 21-40 41-60 61-80? How many people die each year of the flu? How many people die of pneumonia or are they classed as the same as flu?” While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested. The statutory exemption sections are shown as part of the corresponding answers below. While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance Department of Health and Social Care (“the Department”) is unable to provide the information you have requested. This is in line with section 11(3)a of the Act, as a practical refusal reason applies; namely we do not hold or cannot, after taking reasonable steps to do so, find the information that you have requested. However you may wish to contact Public Health within the Cabinet Office who may be able to help you.

Please quote the reference number 1253781 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