Health Secretary visits: FOI release

Information requested

(1) The minutes or official record of what was discussed by the Health Secretary and staff of both hospitals during the visits.

2) The outcome of the meetings and visits, what was agreed and what decisions would be acted upon.

3) Correspondence between the Scottish Government and each hospital that prepared and set up the meetings.

Response

(1) The minutes or official record of what was discussed by the Health Secretary and staff of both hospitals during the visits.

Scottish Government Officials did not circulate a minute following the visit to Inverclyde Royal Hospital on July 4.

Scottish Government Officials did not circulate a minute following the visit to the Royal Alexandra Hospital on March 11.

2) The outcome of the meetings and visits, what was agreed and what decisions would be acted upon.

No correspondence regarding outcomes was shared by Scottish Government officials after the meeting at Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

No correspondence regarding outcomes was shared by Scottish Government officials after the meeting at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

3) Correspondence between the Scottish Government and each hospital that prepared and set up the meetings.

I attach a copy of some of the information you requested.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because an exemption(s) under section(s) s.17(1)(b) (information not held) s.29(1)(a) (policy formulation) and s.38(1)(b) (personal information) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why that exemption(s) applies are explained below/in the Annex to this letter.

The exemption under s.29(1)(a) is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. The reasons why the exemption applies and my application of the public interest test can be found in the Annex to this letter.

REASONS FOR NOT PROVIDING INFORMATION - Annex A

An exemption applies, subject to the public interest test

Section 29(1)(a) – formulation or development of government policy

An exemption under section 29(1)(a) of FOISA (formulation or development of government policy) applies to some of the information requested because it relates to the formulation of the Scottish Government’s policy on the long wait targets.

This exemption is subject to the ‘public interest test’. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government, and to inform public debate.However, there is a greater public interest in high quality policy and decision-making, and in the properly considered implementation and development of policies and decisions. This means that Ministers and officials need to be able to consider all available options and to debate those rigorously, to fully understand their possible implications.

Section 38(1)(b) – applicant has asked for personal data of a third party

An exemption under section 38(1)(b) of FOISA (personal information) applies to some of the information requested because it is personal data of a third party, i.e. names and contact details of individuals, and disclosing it would contravene the data protection principles in Article 5(1) of the General Data Protection Regulation and in section 34(1) of the Data Protection Act 2018. This exemption is not subject to the ‘public interest test’, so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.

Section 17(1)(b) – Notice that information is not held by the Scottish Government

An exemption under section 17(1)(b) of FOISA (information not held) applies to some of the information requested.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202200314663 - Information released

File type

40 page PDF

File size

5.3 MB