FOI – 2024-000092 - Organ Donation (HTML)

Date received – 21 February 2024 | Date responded – 12 March 2024

Request

1. A full copy of the algorithm(s) used to allocate organs in Scotland, as described in this BBC article regarding Kidneys.
2. Any documentation you hold, relating the function of the aforementioned algorithm (e.g. explaining how to interact with it, how it works, what it prioritises, what its logic is and so on).

Response

We have now completed the search of our records and can provide you with the following information:

Under Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Scotland Act, 2002 (FOISA) an organisation does not have to provide that information if it does not hold it. NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) does not hold a copy of the algorithm used to allocate organs or any documentation relating to the function of the aforementioned algorithm.

You may wish to contact NHS Blood and Transplant who are the organisation that manages the organ donor register and allocation of organs - freedomofinformationrequests@nhsbt.nhs.uk

I trust you will find the information of assistance and if you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

If you are unhappy with any aspect of how we have dealt with your request, you can make representations to us asking us to review the handling of your request.

If you require any further information, please contact Head of Information and Cyber Security, Digital and Security within 40 working days of the date of this correspondence.

Contact

Address

If after a review you are still unhappy, you also have the right to apply to the Scottish Information Commissioner, who can be contacted at Kinburn Castle, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9DS, or via their application form.

National Services Scotland (NSS) is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. You can view all FOI responses within our FOI Publications repository.