Iron Deficiency - FOI Response Register

1. How many patients does the Health board currently oversee?

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 25(1) as the information requested is accessible without submitting a request under FOISA s 1(1). The information you have requested is available here:

https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/files/statistics/council-area-data-sheets/shetland-islands-council-profile.html

2. In the past 12 months, how many patients have received an iron infusion within the Health board? (If number of patients is unavailable, the number of product vials dispensed would be useful)

With regards to the number of patients then in accordance with FOISA s 17(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it does not hold the information requested.

Number of product vials dispensed:

3. Is there a particular setting where iron infusions are given? (i.e. outpatients/inpatient etc.)

When there is no response to enteral iron preparations, pregnant women are offered an iron infusion in the maternity department

Out with Maternity they are given in the Day Surgery Unit in the Gilbert Bain Hospital

4. What diagnostic thresholds are used to diagnose iron deficiency in this Health board?

NHS Shetland follows NHS Grampian Guidance:

See attached:

Anaemia - Iron Deficiency

Anaemia - Iron Deficiency in Pregnancy (PRAMS Project)

5. Do any of the hospitals within the Health board screen routinely for iron deficiency before major surgery? If, yes, which hospitals?

Any patient assessed for major surgery with a low Hb will have further tests requested. We have one hospital.

6. Does the Health board recommend iron deficiency screening for reproductive aged women?

We screen women during pregnancy as part of our Ante natal screening program. We do not routinely screen women outside of pregnancy unless they present to their GP and the GP then requests screening.