Sceptre Point

Sceptre Way

Walton Summit

Bamber Bridge

Preston

PR5 6AW

Tel: 01772 695311

Email: [email address]

24^th December, 2008

Dear David

Thank you for raising your concerns regarding your FOI request. Please accept my apologies that you did not receive a full reply to initially to your request.

To recap on the information you have requested:

We employ 143 medical staff. 2.09% of those have declared they have a disability.

That equates to 3 members of medical staff.

2 of those are female and 1 is male.

2 are consultant grade and 1 is a SHO.

All 3 are full time employees.

We are unable to provide you with the information as to whether their disability is a physical or mental impairment because there is no legal requirement for individual applicants or employees to disclose whether they have a disability or not.  Where an individual has stated they have a disability they do not need to disclose what that disability is, but are required to complete a confidential medical questionnaire prior to appointment - we do not hold centrally the nature of an individual's disability although for practical and operational reasons this may be known at a local level.

Where an applicant discloses a disability - under the 2 ticks criteria the Trust guarantees that a disabled applicant, who meets the essential criteria for the post, is interviewed. At the interview stage if an applicant states they are disabled we ask, pre interview, whether they require any facilities for the interview.  For example this could be a disabled parking space, loop system etc.

Where a successful applicant is disabled, the Trust then considers what reasonable adjustments are required in order for the individual to undertake the post.  Occupational Heath is always sought at the pre-employment stage and the Trust is guided by their professional recommendations.  Examples of adjustments could be reduced hours, the purchase of specialist equipment etc.

The Trust has an Equality and Diversity lead who looks at all aspects of E&D and how the Trust can ensure it complies with legislation but also looks at implementing best practice.

I trust this now provides you with the full response to your FOI request.

Yours sincerely

Dave Tomlinson

Interim Chief Executive