Health worker loses patient data

The memory stick belonged to a health worker

A health worker with NHS Lothian has admitted losing a memory stick containing the personal information of 137 patients.

Copies of letters sent to GPs over two years had been stored on the device.

The community worker, who faces disciplinary action, raised the alarm after realising the stick was missing.

NHS Lothian said it was contacting all those affected and was offering to hold face-to-face meetings to address their concerns.

A helpline has been set up for the patients, who are being offered full support and advice.

The staff member has been active in helping us minimise the impact on these patients Peter Gabbitas NHS Lothian

NHS Lothian said there was no evidence that the data stick has been stolen or any information disclosed.

It stressed that the worker had breached regulations prohibiting the storing of NHS information on personal portable computing devices.

Peter Gabbitas, NHS Lothian's director of health and social care said: "A member of staff has reported losing a memory stick of their own which they were using to store information about patients.

"It's important to remember that the staff member came to us of their own volition to advise us of this contravention of our policy.

"The staff member has been active in helping us minimise the impact on these patients.

"Our own IT security specialists were called in and a special investigation team, which included highly experienced doctors and nurses, was formed to identify every patient whose confidentiality may be at risk.

"I would like to take this opportunity to apologise again to the patients involved and to emphasise that we are doing all we can to resolve the situation."

'Matter of urgency'

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "We take any loss of patient information extremely seriously which is why there are data protection procedures and guidance in place which all those working in the NHS are required to follow.

"We understand NHS Lothian is informing all those patients concerned and we expect NHS Lothian to provide the appropriate information, care and support to them."

David McLetchie, Tory MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, warned of a "cavalier attitude" to data handling.

He said: "In future, it should be made absolutely clear that where the security of such information is breached as a result of a blatant disregard for the rules, then heads will roll and this type of misconduct will merit dismissal, not just a mild slap across the wrist.

"We need to restore public confidence as a matter of urgency."

A Labour spokesman said: "It should be a priority as protection of patient confidentiality must always be one of the foremost considerations at all levels of the health service."

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