Request
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing with regard to FOI Request 2011-703 (http://www.eastmidlands.nhs.uk/about-us/access-to-information/freedom-of-information/foi-disclosure-log/2011-disclosure-log/may-2011/junior-doctors-working-hours/), in addition to making further requests under the Freedom of Information Act.
First, might I have access to the embedded attachments under questions 2, 7 and 9 in the uploaded response? These tables refer to the number of junior doctors by specialty, grade and trust; the number opting out of a 48-hr week and vacancies by trust.
I would also like to request further information on the opt-out if possible, as well as information on funding. Details are as below.
1. EWTD OPT-OUT
I am interested in the numbers and proportions of junior doctors opting out of the EWTD 48-hour working week requirement by trust. If possible, I would also like these broken down by training grade and specialty (for registrars).
As I am working with panel/longitudinal data, I would like not only a current "snapshot" of opt-out figures, but also past data. Given that only a month's notice is required for opting in and out of the requirements, I understand that there may be significant fluctuation in these numbers and that consequently trusts/the SHA may collect this data on a fairly frequent basis. However, I only require opt-out numbers on a monthly (or even quarterly if need be) basis from August 2009 onwards.
Summary of desired data:
Number and % of junior doctors opting out of EWTD 48hr week
2. TRUST FUNDING
Does the SHA hold data on "revenue from patient care activities" on an organisational basis? If so, I would be interested on seeing this on an annual basis for FY 2005/06 onwards.
I realise that this information is partially available in the Annual Accounts of individual trusts, but these only tend to cover FY 2008/09 and 09/10. Moreover, I am attempting to collate this information for all acute services in England and unfortunately cannot afford the time to contact each trust individually!
3. LOCUM USE
This is not a FOI request, but rather a check: would I be right in assuming that information on locum use (headcount/FTE) on an organisational level and monthly basis is not collected by the SHA? If so, would I also be right in thinking that only individual trusts would have this data? (The NHS Information Centre doesn’t appear to publish this).
I realise that I have made fairly specific and demanding requests: apologies for this! Additionally, to lighten the workload I should note that for both requests I am primarily interested in acute services, followed by PCTs. I have no interest in mental health, care or ambulance trusts.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if any of my requests have been unclear or if another organisation is better placed to answer these points.
Thank you!
Our Response
I refer to your email requesting information in respect of EWTD opt-out, Trust Funding and Locum Use.
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 you have requested. However, I will address each of your points in turn:
The first attachment contains the embedded documents that you requested.
1. EWTD OPT-OUT
Please find attached the information concerning the EWTD that we hold. We do not monitor this on a monthly basis, and aim to check once in the rotational cycle for the doctors. The information provided does not include the % figure as we do not calculate that ourselves. However, the initial spreadsheets should provide you with the denominators if you wish to calculate this yourself.
2. TRUST FUNDING
NHS East Midlands does not hold data prior to 2006/07. It is also the case that all other acute trusts in the East Midlands are Foundation Trusts and we do not hold any data for them. The Foundation Trusts in our region are Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Chesterfield Royal NHS Foundation Trust and Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. You will therefore need to contact these trusts separately for the information that you require. You can do this via the link to our website:
http://www.eastmidlands.nhs.uk/the-local-nhs/nhs-organisations/
3. LOCUM USE
You are correct in your assertion at question 3.
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
