| Reference | FOI 2026/1716 |
|---|---|
| Description | Sleep Medicine and Hypnotic Prescribing NHS Greater Manchester |
| Date Requested | 21/04/2026 |
| Date Replied | 30/04/2026 |
| Category | Specialised Commissioning |
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am requesting the following data regarding sleep medicine commissioning and hypnotic prescribing within the Greater Manchester area.
1. Hypnotic Prescribing Data (BNF 4.1.1): For the most recent 24-month period available, please provide:
a. The total number of prescription items dispensed for drugs within BNF 4.1.1 (Hypnotics).
b. The total Net Ingredient Cost (NIC) for these items.
c. Please provide this data broken down by month and, if possible, by Sub-ICB Location (SICBL).
2. Specialist Sleep Referrals:
a. What is the median and longest wait time (in weeks) for a patient to have their first outpatient appointment at a specialist Sleep Medicine clinic following a GP referral during the calendar year 2025?
3. CBT-i Commissioning:
a. Does the ICB currently commission a dedicated Digital Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (dCBT-i) pathway (e.g., Sleepio, Sleepstation) or a face-to-face CBT-i service that is distinct from general Talking Therapies/IAPT?
b. If so, please provide the name of the service provider and the current contract end date.
4. Health Inequality Spend:
a. Does the ICB hold data comparing the volume of BNF 4.1.1 prescriptions between the most deprived decile and the least deprived decile of the population (based on the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2025)? If yes, please provide these figures.
Response Format: I would prefer to receive this information in an electronic format, ideally as an Excel (.xlsx) or CSV file.
If it is not possible to provide all the information requested due to the cost of locating and retrieving the data (Section 12), please provide advice and assistance under your Section 16 duty as to how I can refine my request to receive the most useful data possible.
1. NHS Greater Manchester does not hold the information requested. This information is held by NHS Business Services Authority, and therefore, it will be necessary for you to contact them directly for the information you seek. To assist you please find a link below to their website and how to make a Freedom of Information request.
Submit a freedom of information request – NHSBSA
2a. GP referrals only, January to December 2025
| Median wait time (in weeks) | 16 |
| Longest wait time (in weeks) | 71 |
3a. No
3b. N/A
4a. Please refer to the response to question 1.
