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Sunderland

The information below is now superseded by the NTAG policy.


Not impressed!  From Medicines Optimisation (it's their problem, not FOI!).

Hello Nick

Thank you for your email.

Please can you submit this as a freedom of information request. Information on how to submit a request can be found here:  https://www.sunderlandccg.nhs.uk/corporate/freedom-of-information/

My response:

Hi all,

Having spoken to other CCGs, this doesn't seem to be a FOI type request.  It is the same request that a patient could ask at an appointment - that wouldn't be treated as FOI.  It is merely asking how the CCG/diabetes team are planning to adhere to a national policy.  I would have thought there would be a written policy in the public domain, and if there isn't one, then it should be being produced and released on 1st April.  I am happy to submit a FOI, but due to this process requiring to be in place at the beginning of next week, I feel it overly formal and time-consuming.  You are going to get patients in your area asking very soon, so it seems reasonable that the process is communicated with them.

Nick

The still want it to be a FOI so here's the FOI acknowledgement:

Dear Mr Cahm

Thank you for your Freedom of Information (FOI) request dated 25th March 2019, received at Sunderland CCG. Guidance on the Information Commissioner’s website states that a question can be a valid request for information.  When you make a request, it is for the public authority to decide whether or not a query falls within the remit of the FOI.

Your request is being dealt with under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and will be answered within twenty working days.

In some circumstances a fee may be payable.  If that is the case, I will let you know.  A fees notice will be issued to you if appropriate. You will be required to pay the relevant fee before we will proceed to deal with your request.

If you have any queries about this request or wish to contact us again, please email sunccg.foi@nhs.net.  Please remember to quote the reference.

FOI Response (full text here)


Freestyle Libre prescribing is currently only in secondary care in Sunderland, in line with the Northern Treatment Advisory Group recommendation. Consequently the prescribing data quoted will not be complete.

In answer to the specific questions:

1.    We plan to implement the NHS England Freestyle Libre policy in full.

2.    Sunderland CCG will adopt the recommendation made by the Northern Treatment Advisory Group.

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