Fertility Clinic

Summary

A request was made for detailed statistics and costs regarding the Isle of Man Fertility Clinic over the past five years, including patient numbers, referrals, and treatment breakdowns. 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 service redesign.

Key Facts

• The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold the requested fertility clinic data.
• The information is believed to be held by Manx Care due to the separation of policy and service delivery.
• The Department was redesigned on 01 April 2021 following Sir Jonathan Michael's Independent Review.
• The request was received on 16 January 2025 and the response was issued on 21 January 2025.
• The requester is advised to re-submit the request to Manx Care.

Data Disclosed

• 4377969
• 2025-01-16
• 2025-01-24
• 21 January 2025
• 01 April 2021
• 5 years

Exemptions Cited

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

Original Request

I am wondering if I could get the following please? 1) How many patients yearly for the past 5 years have been treated via the Fertility Clinic? 2) Can the above be broken down into Female only, Male/Female and Female/Female or other? 3) How many Male Patients suffered only infertility issues when in a couple? 4) How many referrals were made to the UK/IOM for a Urologist specialising in Fertility to examine and diagnosis a male patient? 5) How many Male Patients infertility issue led to IVF treatment without a Urologist attached to determine the cause of the issue? 6) How many Male Patients are treated under the Fertility Clinic? 7) How many Females / Couples have been treated over the last 5 years (broken down annually) for IVF? 8) How many Fertility Patients have been referred for Counselling from the Fertility Clinic in the last 5 years? 9) How many patients were transferred to the UK for fertility needs (broken down male / female) in the last 5 years? 10) What is the average cost for an IVF cycle, the average cost to send a patient to the UK for assessment / treatment and the average cost for having a regular consultant in fertility with specilism in Urology?

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Chief Officer: Paul Richardson Freedom of Information Team First Floor Belgravia House Circular Road Douglas IM1 1AE

Our ref: 4377969 21 January 2025

Dear ###

We write further to your request received 16 January 2025, which states:

"I am wondering if I could get the following please?

1) How many patients yearly for the past 5 years have been treated via the Fertility Clinic?
2) Can the above be broken down into Female only, Male/Female and Female/Female or other?
3) How many Male Patients suffered only infertility issues when in a couple?
4) How many referrals were made to the UK/IOM for a Urologist specialising in Fertility to examine and diagnosis a male patient?
5) How many Male Patients infertility issue led to IVF treatment without a Urologist attached to determine the cause of the issue?
6) How many Male Patients are treated under the Fertility Clinic?
7) How many Females / Couples have been treated over the last 5 years (broken down annually) for IVF?
8) How many Fertility Patients have been referred for Counselling from the Fertility Clinic in the last 5 years?
9) How many patients were transferred to the UK for fertility needs (broken down male / female) in the last 5 years?
10) What is the average cost for an IVF cycle, the average cost to send a patient to the UK for assessment / treatment and the average cost for having a regular consultant in fertility with specilism in Urology?"

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.

In line with the Department of Health and Social Care’s duty to provide advice and assistance with your request under Section 15 of the Act, the Department of Health and Social Care redesigned on 01 April 2021 as a direct result of Sir Jonathan Michael’s Independent Review of the Isle of Man Health and Social 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 services by Manx Care.

Please quote the reference number 4377969 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.