Neonatal Information

Summary

A request for absolute numbers of stillbirths in the Isle of Man for 2024 and early 2025 was made to the Department of Health and Social Care. The authority responded that they do not hold this information and suggested contacting the Department for Enterprise instead.

Key Facts

• The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold the requested stillbirth statistics.
• The information is likely held by the Department for Enterprise, specifically the Central Registry.
• The Central Registry is responsible for registering life events including births and deaths on the Isle of Man.
• The request was formally closed on 15 May 2025.
• The applicant has the right to request an internal review or appeal to the Information Commissioner.

Data Disclosed

• 01/01/24
• 31/12/24
• 01/01/25
• 24/04/25
• 15 May 2025
• 24 April 2025
• 4613189

Exemptions Cited

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

Original Request

1) The number of stillbirths in the IOM from 01/01/24 to 31/12/24. 2) The number of stillbirths from 01/01/25 to present (24/04/25). An absolute number, not an aggregate.

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: 4613189 15 May 2025

Dear ###

We write further to your request received 24 April 2025, which states:

"1) The number of stillbirths in the IOM from 01/01/24 to 31/12/24.

2) The number of stillbirths from 01/01/25 to present (24/04/25).

An absolute number, not an aggregate."

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the public authority does not hold or cannot, after taking reasonable steps to do so, find the information that you have requested.

However, you may wish to contact the Department for Enterprise who may be able to help you. 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 Department for Enterprise.

You may wish to re-submit your request to Department for Enterprise 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 for Enterprise includes the Central Registry who are responsible for registering life events such as births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships which take place on the Isle of Man.

Please quote the reference number 4613189 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.