NHS Prescriptions for Bowel Irrigation Kits

Summary

A request was made for the number of patients prescribed bowel irrigation kits on the NHS in the Isle of Man, but the Department of Health and Social Care refused to provide the information as it is not held by them.

Key Facts

• The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold the requested data on bowel irrigation kit prescriptions.
• The information is likely held by Manx Care, which delivers health and social care services.
• The Department's role is limited to setting strategic direction, regulation, and commissioning.
• The requester was advised to re-submit the request to Manx Care.
• The request was formally closed on 10 December 2025.

Data Disclosed

• 5084565
• 2025-11-14
• 2025-12-10
• Section 11(3)a

Exemptions Cited

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

Original Request

Hello, Could you please provide me with the number of patients in the Isle of Man who are currently (or have previously been) prescribed bowel irrigation kits on the NHS. Thank you

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Interim Chief Officer: Professor Tim O'Neill Freedom of Information Team First Floor Belgravia House Circular Road Douglas IM1 1AE

Our ref: 5084565 10 December 2025

Dear ###

We write further to your request received 14 November 2025, which states:

"Hello,
Could you please provide me with the number of patients in the Isle of Man who are currently (or have previously been) prescribed bowel irrigation kits on the NHS.

Thank 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 Manx Care.

To provide advice and assistance, the Department of Health and Social Care sets the strategic direction to develop and evolve the Island’s approach to health and social care delivery, regulation, and commissioning as set by the vision outlined in the Department Plan. The delivery of health and social care services to patients and service users on the Isle of Man are provided by Manx Care and its contracted service providers

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.

Please quote the reference number 5084565 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.