Lateral Flow Tests.

Summary

The requester asked about spending on Lateral Flow Tests (LFTs) and limits on test kit requests, including potential retrospective charges. Manx Care disclosed the total cost of LFTs but refused to provide specific details on request limits or stockpiling charges, citing that the information was not held.

Key Facts

• Total cost of LFTs including distribution was £6,068,579 (ex VAT) between 01.10.21 and 31.03.22.
• Manx Care does not hold information regarding formal limits on requesting test kits or retrospective charges for stockpiling.
• Lateral flow tests are available to order online or collect from pharmacies without personal identification or proof of address.
• The request was partially refused under Section 11(3)a of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 as a practical refusal reason.

Data Disclosed

• £6,068,579
• 01.10.21
• 31.03.22
• 2022-03-24
• 2022-04-29
• 2349765

Exemptions Cited

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

Original Request

How much money has been spent on L.F.T.s? What are the limits on people requesting test kits? Will there be a retrospective charge if people stockpile the free tests?

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

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

Our ref: 2349765 29 April 2022

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 24th March 2022 which states:

"1. How much money has been spent on L.F.T.s? 2. What are the limits on people requesting test kits? Will there be a retrospective charge if people stockpile the free tests?"

Our Response 1. How much money has been spent on L.F.T.s? The cost of LFTs, including distribution is £6,068,579 (ex VAT) for the period 01.10.21 to 31.03.22 2. What are the limits on people requesting test kits? Will there be a retrospective charge if people stockpile the free tests? While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance Manx Care 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.
However we can advise that there are no formal limits. Lateral flow tests are available to order online and also available to collect from pharmacies without the need for validation with personal identification or proof of address.

Please quote the reference number 2349765 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.