Deaths from Covid versus deaths with Covid

Summary

The requester asked for detailed statistics on Covid-19 deaths in the Isle of Man, including causes and demographics. The Department of Health and Social Care refused the request, stating they do not hold the information as it is likely held by Manx Care following a 2021 restructuring.

Key Facts

• The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold the requested data on Covid-19 deaths.
• The information may be held by Manx Care due to the separation of policy and service delivery.
• The Department was redesigned on 1 April 2021 following Sir Jonathan Michael's Independent Review.
• The requester was advised to consult the weekly Public Health Surveillance Report for available data.
• The request was closed on 9 September 2021.

Data Disclosed

• 1976185
• 2021-09-06
• 2021-09-09
• 1 April 2021
• March 2020
• 28 days
• Section 11(3)a

Exemptions Cited

• Section 11(3)a of the Act (Information not held)

Original Request

Please can you confirm the following: 1. What is the total number of deaths on the IOM of persons who have died within 28 days of a positive Covid test since March 2020 to date? 2. Of that overall total, how many deaths have been from Covid alone? 3. Of that overall total, how many deaths were with Covid (as separate from Covid alone)? 4. Of that overall total, what is the number of persons with underlying health conditions? 5. Of that overall total, what is the number without underlying health conditions? 6. Of that overall total, what is the average age of the persons? Thank you

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

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

Our ref: 1976185 9 September 2021

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received 6 September 2021 and which states:

"Please can you confirm the following: 1. What is the total number of deaths on the IOM of persons who have died within 28 days of a positive Covid test since March 2020 to date? 2. Of that overall total, how many deaths have been from Covid alone? 3. Of that overall total, how many deaths were with Covid (as separate from Covid alone)? 4. Of that overall total, what is the number of persons with underlying health conditions? 5. Of that overall total, what is the number without underlying health conditions? 6. Of that overall total, what is the average age of the persons? Thank you"

Our response: While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Department of Health and Social Care ('the Department') is unable to provide the information that 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 as it may be held by Manx Care. You may wish to re-submit your request to Manx Care, which is an option available on the Freedom of Information request portal, who may be able to help you. To provide advice and assistance, the Department of Health and Social Care redesigned on 1 April 2021 as a direct result of Sir Jonathan Michael's Independent Review of the Isle of Manx Health and Care System. This Review continues to be a catalyst for change and improved service provision. The redesigned Department ensures the separation between the setting of policy and strategy and the delivery of care services by Manx Care.

To provide further advice and assistance, the Isle of Man Government Public Health Directorate publish a weekly report which provides a summary of indicators used to understand the status of the current wave of Covid-19 in the Isle of Man. The purpose of the public health surveillance report is to provide a clear and trusted data source which will help individuals, businesses and the wider community to make positive choices about how they manage the risk of COVID-19. The weekly report is available within the public domain at: Isle of Man Government – Coronavirus COVID-19 Weekly Public Health Surveillance Report https://covid19.gov.im/guidance-for-public-health/weekly-public-health-surveillance- report/

Please quote the reference number 1976185 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.