NHS Gloucestershire writes to patients following Stroud Break In

12.05.2009

NHS Gloucestershire Care Services has today written to 2,470 patients following the recent break in at the Stroud General Hospital administrative offices.

During the incident at the end of March, a small amount of computer equipment was stolen.

An internal review has shown that one of the computers taken contained some patient letters saved on the hard drive. Although the computer was password protected, the NHS has taken the step of writing to all those concerned because of the burglary.

The letters, which followed outpatient clinic appointments, were from hospital consultants to GPs, other health professionals or patients/relatives.

Chief Executive of NHS Gloucestershire, Jan Stubbings said:

“We are very sorry that this incident has occurred and we have since carried out a thorough review of the patient information held.”

“Although the risk to patient information security is low, we feel we have an important responsibility to thoroughly investigate an incident such as this, identify the patients concerned and communicate with them.”

“We take data security extremely seriously and have been reviewing our internal procedures to ensure that they are further strengthened.”

“All our staff have received additional guidance to reinforce the steps they should be following to meet the highest standards of patient information security.”

Arrangements have been put in place to provide the necessary support and advice to individual patients. A helpline has been set up for patients who receive letters and who would like further information. The number is 0800 019 3354 (available from 8am Tuesday 12 May).