Paracetamol Overdoses - FOI Response Register

NHS Shetland uses the ICD 10 coding system. Figures provided are for the number of inpatients where ICD 10 codes T39.1 or X40 or X60 or Y10 or Y45.5 were listed as Main Condition or Other Condition. Please note codes may also include some non-paracetamol overdose patients.

1. How many children (aged under 18) have been treated for overdoses at hospitals in your board area involving paracetamol in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 to date?

Where we have given <10 answers, this is because NHS Shetland considers that providing more specific information carries a high risk of identifying individuals. As such and 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 38(1)(b) as read with s 38 (2A) as the information constitutes personal data and disclosure would breach the confidentiality of the data subjects.

2. Could this age be presented by year, intent (accidental and deliberate) and by age?

Given the already small numbers, the highly sensitive nature of the information requested and the fact that the information concerns children, we are unable to provide any breakdown. This is because NHS Shetland considers that providing more specific information carries a high risk of identifying individuals. As such and 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 38(1)(b) as read with s 38 (2A) as the information constitutes personal data and disclosure would breach the confidentiality of the data subjects.

3. How many children (aged under 18) have been treated for overdoses at hospitals in your board area involving illicit substances in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 to date?

In accordance with FOISA s 17(1), NHS Shetland confirms that it does not hold the information requested as overdoses are not coded by licit status.

4. Could this age be presented by year, intent (accidental and deliberate) and by age?

N/A – see response to Q3