Request

I would like to submit the following questions under a freedom of Information request relating to Pre-paid funeral plans issued by EIBSS.

My understanding is that a “pre-paid” funeral plan is only paid to Hep C stage 2 beneficiaries registered with EIBSS. I also understand that EIBSS do not provide a “pre-paid” funeral plan for beneficiaries infected with HIV.

1. I would like to ask what evidence has been used to support this difference?
2. If medical evidence has been used to support this difference, I would also like to request copies the medical evidence?
3. I would also like to request copies of any recorded information held by yourselves which mentions prepaid funeral plans issued by EIBSS?

Response

Questions 1 & 2

Under Section 21 of the Act, we are not required to provide information in response to a request if it is already reasonably accessible to you. The information you requested is available from web link:

https://www.infectedbloodinquiry.org.uk/evidence/witn4496017-fourth-written-statement-brendan-brown-behalf-nhsbsa-26-aug-2021

In addition to the above, please find the following link:

https://www.infectedbloodinquiry.org.uk/search?keywords=WITN4496020

Specifically exhibit number WITN4496020 "HIV is a Chronic Manageable Disease" — advice by Dr. Catherine C. Smith which is listed within ‘fourth written statement of Brendan Brown on behalf of the NHBSA’.

Question 3

The following sources provide information relating to funeral prepayment plans:

• EIBSS Webpage

Under Section 21 of the Act, we are not required to provide information in response to a request if it is already reasonably accessible to you. The information you requested is available from web link:

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/discretionary-support

Here you will find who can apply, what can be applied for and an application form.

• EIBSS Internal Work Procedures

An extract of this is attached under ‘Work procedure extract’.

• Historic email correspondence between NHSBSA and DHSC

A copy of the information is attached. However, I have decided not to release full details of NHSBSA and DHSC staff as this information falls under the exemption in Section 40 subsections 2 and 3(A)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act.

This is because it would breach the first data protection principle as:

a) It is not fair to disclose these people’s personal details to the world and is likely to cause damage or distress to staff. b) These details are not of sufficient interest to the public to warrant an intrusion into the privacy of those staff.

Please click the below web link to see the exemption in full: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/36/section/40

Data Queries

If you have any queries regarding the data provided, or if you plan on publishing the data please contact nhsbsa.foirequests@nhsbsa.nhs.uk ensuring you quote the above reference. This is important to ensure that the figures are not misunderstood or misrepresented.

If you plan on producing a press or broadcast story based upon the data please contact nhsbsa.communicationsteam@nhs.net. This is important to ensure that the figures are not misunderstood or misrepresented.

The information supplied to you continues to be protected by the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and is subject to NHSBSA copyright. This information is licenced under the terms of the Open Government Licence detailed at: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/

Should you wish to re-use the information you must include the following statement: “EIBSS, NHSBSA Copyright 2022” This information is licenced under the terms of the Open Government Licence:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/

Failure to do so is a breach of the terms of the licence.

Information you receive which is not subject to NHSBSA Copyright continues to be protected by the copyright of the person, or organisation, from which the information originated. Please obtain their permission before reproducing any third party (non NHSBSA Copyright) information.

Please note, that the documents which accompany this response are available on request from nhsbsa.foirequests@nhsbsa.nhs.uk. Currently, our publication scheme does not support PDF documents, however, this will be rectified in the near future.