To: [email address]

Our ref: DE00000430952

28 July 2009

Dear Mr Walker,

Thank you for your email of 16 July to the Department of Health requesting, under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, details about recorded guidance to clinicians on the removal of tattoos. Your request has been passed to me for reply.

The Department of Health does not hold the information requested. This is because it is expected that clinicians will treat patients on a case-by-case basis and will make decisions based on what is best for each patient and guided by clinical discretion.

If you have any queries about this response, please contact me. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.

I hope this reply is helpful. If you are dissatisfied with the handling of your request, you have the right to ask for an internal review. Internal review requests should be submitted within two months of the date of receipt of the response to your original letter and should be addressed to:

Head of the Freedom of Information Team

Department of Health

Room 317

Richmond House

79 Whitehall

London

SW1A 2NS

Email: [email address]

If you are not content with the outcome of your complaint, you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for a decision. Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have exhausted the complaints procedure provided by the Department. The ICO can be contacted at:

Information Commissioner's Office

Wycliffe House

Water Lane

Wilmslow

Cheshire

SK9 5AF

Yours sincerely,

Aimee Gasston

FOI Officer

Department of Health

Richmond House79 WhitehallLondonSW1A 2NS

Tel: 020 7210 3000