Complaints - FOI Response Register

1. In each year since 2018/19, on how many occasions have patients taken legal action against this health board?

2. In relation to Q1, please provide as much detail as possible on each case.

Cases have been in relation to a failure to diagnose and treat, unavailability of data and a breach of patient confidentiality. Detailed information is not appropriate given the low number of claims and the real risk of identification in a small community setting.

3. In relation to Q1, please provide the legal costs of these cases for each year.

These costs relate to all the claims irrespective of whether they are settled or not, or are open or closed.

4. In relation to Q1, please also provide information on which case cost the most in each year, and how much it cost.

In accordance with FOISA s 16(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it holds the information requested but that it is exempt from disclosure under FOISA s 36(2) as disclosure would constitute an actionable breach of confidence.

It would not be appropriate to provide details of which case cost the most given the small numbers and the very real risk of identification in a small community setting.