HIV / Aids tests

Summary

The applicant requested annual statistics on positive HIV test results and total tests conducted in the Isle of Man from 2015 to early 2022. Manx Care responded that they do not hold the specific data requested, citing section 11(3)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

Key Facts

• Manx Care does not hold the specific information regarding positive HIV test results per year from 2015 to 2022.
• The Pathology Directorate undertakes approximately 1200 HIV tests per annum.
• Many of the annual HIV tests are screens for the blood donor service rather than patient diagnostics.
• The request was received on 24 February 2022 and closed on 8 March 2022.
• The applicant has the right to request an internal review or appeal to the Information Commissioner.

Data Disclosed

• 2015
• 2022
• 24 February 2022
• 8 March 2022
• 1200
• 2291710

Exemptions Cited

• Section 11(3)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Information not held)

Original Request

Please can you confirm the number of positive HIV test results for patients in the Isle of Man per year from 2015 to the present day. Could you also provide the total number of HIV / Aids tests completed for the same period. If possible please can we have the 2 months of data from 2022 up to the end of Feb.

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Manx Care Noble’s Hospital, Strang Braddan, Isle of Man IM4 4R (01624) 650 000

Our ref: 2291710 8 March 2022

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 24 February 2022 and which states:

"Please can you confirm the number of positive HIV test results for patients in the Isle of Man per year from 2015 to the present day. Could you also provide the total number of HIV / Aids tests completed for the same period. If possible please can we have the 2 months of data from 2022 up to the end of Feb."

Our response While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide the information you have requested; Manx Care does not hold the information that the applicant has requested (section 11(3)(a) of the Act). The Pathology Directorate undertakes approximately 1200 HIV tests per annum but many of the tests are screens for the blood donor service.

Please quote the reference number 2291710 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