I WAS disappointed to read the article 'Lottery for life-saving treatment goes on' and the editorial 'Using the FoI (Act) to take on the PCT' (Courier, May 30).
Whilst we appreciate the positive comments made about the work of the PCT, we are concerned by criticism at taking 20 days to respond to a Freedom of Information request.
We are happy to admit that it can take a full 20 days to collect the often d
etailed information required for a Freedom of Information inquiry - especially as we must also follow a process to ensure answering the query would not compromise patient confidentiality.
The PCT is committed to being open and accountable about its business both in terms of our statutory obligations and as a core principle of how we operate.
We would like to reiterate that under the FoI Act organisations must respond to requests promptly and no later than 20 working days after the request was made.
This was the timeframe we met. Further, we answered all of your reporter's questions fully and offered an interview with our director of commissioning so additional points could be explored.
Frustratingly however, much of the information provided in response to your FoI request was not used in the article.
In addition there were some misleading points in the piece. Your article read, 'More than 20 people in Warwickshire have been denied life-saving treatment'. However in the information we provided we explained from April 2007-March 2008 a total of 29 people were unsuccessful with their application to the Individual Cases Panel and of those turned down the applications were for treatments including rhinoplasty (nose-reshaping), breast surgery, IVF and a hernia operation in a private hospital. While we do not underestimate the importance these procedures may be to the individuals concerned, they would not be classed as life-saving.
We welcome the Courier's work to ensure the public understands the role of their local PCT but would strongly disagree with any assertion that we are not united in that aim. We are happy to talk to anyone who wants to find out more about the individual cases process. - Bryan Stoten, chairman, Warwickshire NHS Primary Care Trust.
* We are happy for Mr Stoten to set the record straight and apologise if our article misrepresented the situation in any way. Our report included an interview with the director of commissioning but did exlude a full list of those treatments refused and authorised by the PCT. Editor
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