Request
To whom it may concern
I am writing to put forward a freedom of information request relating to correspondence that was sent out by the SHA to trusts across the East Midlands earlier this year (or the latest figures) where they were asked to confirm their position on whether they still intended to deploy electronic patient record system Lorenzo.
I would like to know:
a) How many trusts responded to the request and how many trusts confirmed their intent to deploy strategic system, Lorenzo?
b) How many trusts requested to withdraw from the programme?
c) The names of those trusts that requested to withdraw.
I look forward to hearing you response.
Our Response
I refer to your email requesting information in respect of Lorenzo Deployment.
I can confirm in accordance with S.1 (1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) that we do not hold all of the information that is relevant to your request.
NHS East Midlands has not sent any correspondence to Trusts in the East Midlands asking them to confirm their intention or otherwise regarding the deployment of the strategic Lorenzo solution. However, we are in regular discussion with them.
Negotiations with the contractor regarding changes to the contract are on-going and have not yet concluded.
We are therefore of the opinion that Section 43(2) of the FOIA is engaged in this instance. This exemption protects from disclosure information that would, or would be likely, to prejudice the commercial interests of any person (including the public authority holding it). We consider that while negotiations relating to changes to the contract are on-going there is potential that release of the requested information could prejudice the commercial interests of one or other of the parties to these negotiations.
Section 43 is a qualified exemption meaning that we are required to apply the public interest test. We have therefore considered the public interest in releasing this information and we are of the opinion that the balance is in favour of withholding this information at this time so that the integrity of the current negotiations can be maintained and the commercial interests of the NHS protected.
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
