Patients in Nobles hospital

Summary

A request was made for statistics on COVID-19 test results and vaccination doses for 26 patients at Nobles Hospital on March 19, 2021. The Department of Health and Social Care refused to disclose the information, citing an absolute exemption for personal data.

Key Facts

• The request concerned 26 patients reported at Nobles Hospital on 19 March 2021.
• The applicant sought data on positive COVID-19 tests and first and second vaccine doses.
• The authority determined the information constitutes personal data of which the applicant is not the data subject.
• The response was issued on 24 March 2021 by the Chief Executive, Kathryn Magson.
• The request was closed with no information sent as all data was held but exempt.

Data Disclosed

• 26
• 19/3/21
• 24 March 2021
• 1716429

Exemptions Cited

• Section 25 (2)(a) of the Act (absolutely exempt personal information)

Original Request

I would like to know how many of the reported 26 patients in Nobles Hospital of today's date 19/3/21, a) Have had positive tests for COV-19 b) Have had 1st doses of the COV-19 Vaccine c) Have had 2nd doses of the COV-19 Vaccine

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Chief Executive: Kathryn Magson Freedom of Information Team Crookall House Demesne Road Douglas Isle of Man IM1 3QA

(01624) 642621 dhsc@foi.gov.im Website: www.gov.im/dhsc

Our ref: 1716429 24 March 2021

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 19 March 2021 and which states:

"I would like to know how many of the reported 26 patients in Nobles Hospital of today's date 19/3/21, a) Have had positive tests for COV-19 b) Have had 1st doses of the COV-19 Vaccine c) Have had 2nd doses of the COV-19 Vaccine" Our response: While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because it is absolutely exempt under Section 25 (2)(a) of the Act (absolutely exempt personal information). The reason why that exemption applies is that information is absolutely exempt information if it constitutes personal data of which the applicant is not the data subject. To provide advice and assistance, COVID-19 tests and vaccines are patient specific and as such the information is entered onto individual patient’s GP record.

Please quote the reference number 1716429 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