Request
Please could you send me all agendas, minutes and supporting papers from the private part of all trust board meetings over the last six months. I would like this information provided to me by email.
Our Response
I refer to your email requesting agendas, minutes and supporting papers from the private part of NHS East Midlands’ Board meetings over the last six months.
I can confirm in accordance with S.1 (1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) that we do hold the information that you have requested.
However, we are of the opinion that Section 22 of the FOIA, which concerns information for publication at a later date, can be engaged in this instance. Section 22 is a qualified exemption and is subject to consideration of the public interest test. We recognise that there is a public interest in putting this information into the public domain in the interests of accountability and transparency of government. To this end it is our intention to publish this information by September 2010.
There are strong arguments to support the use of the future publication exemption on the basis that we need to ensure that the information being disclosed is properly considered and redacted to protect patient confidentiality. We consider that the best use of public resources would be directed to ensuring the information is published in a responsible and comprehensive format.
I hope that this information is of use. If you are dissatisfied with the way in which we have dealt with your request you can ask us to review our decision by writing to:-
Mr Moosa Patel
Director of Corporate Affairs
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
