FOINHSD25/1493
NHS Devon
RECEIVED
Case for Change timeline and SRO absence
Submitted: 7 November 2025 | Response: 5 December 2025 (clarification 8 December) | Internal Review: 9 December 2025 | Resolved via FOINHSD26/1566: 8 April 2026
Internal Review not substantively answered: The ICB's Internal Review response (due approximately 7 January 2026) was never received. Instead, the ICB bundled this request into its 8 April 2026 response to FOINHSD26/1566, stating the case for change programme will not be progressed at this time. The specific questions about documented timelines and the SRO's absence were never answered, the programme withdrawal has made them procedurally moot. The campaign should note that the ICB has not confirmed whether documented timelines existed, nor addressed the Internal Review challenge.
Why This Matters: The "Case for Change" is the foundational document justifying the proposed relocation of cardiac services. NHS Devon initially refused to confirm whether they even hold documented timelines, then admitted they hold "part" of the requested information but provided minimal detail. The Internal Review challenging that position was never answered on its merits.
29 Jan
2026 Board meeting
for "next steps"
for "next steps"
s40(2)
Exemption claimed
for SRO details
for SRO details
0
Timelines provided
(original or revised)
(original or revised)
What we asked for:
- Information about the SRO's "temporary unplanned absence"
- Original and revised timelines for the Case for Change
- Internal risk assessments mentioning delays
- Confirmation of interim SRO arrangements
What NHS Devon revealed (8 December 2025):
- NHS Devon confirmed it holds part of the requested information
- Next steps to be considered at 29 January 2026 Board meeting
- Refused to provide SRO absence details citing Section 40(2) (personal information)
- Did not confirm whether documented timelines exist
Internal Review Challenge (9 December 2025): The response failed to confirm whether documented timelines exist or provide any substantive information about programme delays. Internal Review response due approximately 7 January 2026. No response was ever received to the Internal Review challenge itself.
Status: Initial response received 5 December 2025 (clarified 8 December). Internal Review submitted 9 December 2025. The Internal Review was never answered on its merits. On 8 April 2026, the ICB issued a combined response to FOINHSD25/1493 and FOINHSD26/1566 confirming the case for change programme will not be progressed at this time, following a Joint Committee decision on 26 March 2026. The specific questions about programme timelines and the SRO absence remain unanswered. See FOINHSD26/1566 for the full text of the ICB's 8 April response.
Download Original Response (PDF) Download Internal Review Request (PDF)