News In Focus
8 August 2007
Commissioner forces CSA to release claim data
Scotland's Information Comissioner Kevin Dunion has ordered the NHS's Common Services Agency (CSA) to release information about compensation claims for hepatitis C infections.
The request was made by a woman, referred to as Ms N, who had asked for details of how many claims against the National Blood Transfusion Service had been settled, how many cases were outstanding and how much compensation was paid in each case concluded.
The CSA had refused the request, claiming that it related to information the CSA had no right to disclose, because the CSA solicitors involved were also professionally accountable to other NHS bodies and professional rules prevented them disclosing information about their clients' business without their consent.
Mr Dunion ruled there was a strong public interest in disclosure which would show how public funds were being used, and that it was not necessary to reveal patients' personal details. The CSA has 45 days to provide the information.