Request
Dear
Sir/Madam,
I am working on a
project to determine how frequently
NHS resources are allocated to Neuro-Linguistic
Programming (NLP). I am therefore contacting
NHS Trusts to enquire whether - and
for what purpose - funds have been allocated to NLP training
for health care professionals or
services for patients. This information will
determine whether
or not further
research into NLP effectiveness is
justified on cost grounds.
I have already
been in contact with each PCT. They have been very helpful
but a number have noted that staff were sent
on NLP courses funded by the Strategic
Health Authority. It is therefore necessary for me to ask
each SHA for this
information.
In order to map
NLP use within the NHS, I would be grateful if you could
answer the following points. I understand
this information falls under the
auspices of the Freedom of Information Act
2000 which creates a general right to
information held by public bodies.
The questions I
am hoping to answer for your SHA are:
*
Whether the SHA has allocated resources to NLP training
within
the last three financial years (e.g. by sending staff on
training
courses). The specific dates of interest are between 31st April
2006
and 31st April 2009. I am interested
in NLP training for staff
development as well as for service
provision.
*
If so, what types of health care professionals were
trained.
*
The purpose of any training (e.g. personal development,
new
service provision).
*
Have any NLP services been provided to patients in your
SHA?
*
How much money has been spent on NLP training within the
last
three years.
*
Whether any attempt has been made to evaluate and/or
audit
services within the SHA that have received NLP training.
In the event you
are not the most appropriate person to answer these
queries, it would be helpful if this message
could be forwarded on. Thank you very
much for your help in this matter.
Our Reply
I refer to your
email requesting information in respect of Neuro Linguistic
Programming (NLP).
I can confirm in
accordance with S.1 (1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 that
we do hold some of the information requested but not in the format
required.
Your request
identifies that you require Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) to
provide this information on the basis of your earlier research that
Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) have received NLP training funded by
their respective SHAs.
NHS East Midlands
has not commissioned specific NLP training for
trusts within
our region within
the last three years. However, NHS East Midlands has funded a
leadership programme for Children and CAMHS Safeguarding Leads
within our constituent organisations. We are unable to
provide you specific costings as this particular component is
incorporated into the total cost of a much larger
programme.
I would like to
point out that NHS East Midlands does have a budget for Continuous
Professional Development (CDP) which is allocated to
directorates. This may in some instances, be used to fund
individuals on courses or study days which may have an NLP
component. This is based upon and evaluated through our
continuous appraisal and development process.
As an SHA, we do
not directly fund patient care.
I hope that this
information is of use to you. However, please note that
if you are dissatisfied with the way in which we have dealt with
your request you can complain in writing to:-
Mr Kevin
Orford
Deputy Chief
Executive and Director of Finance
NHS East
Midlands
Octavia
House
Interchange Business Park
Bostock's
Lane
Sandiacre
Nottingham
NG10
5QG
If at the
conclusion of any review you remain dissatisfied you may complain
to the Information Commissioner who can be contacted
at:-
The Office of the
Information Commissioner
Wycliffe
House
Water
Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9
5AF
