NHS data breaches are often the biggest

Most people believe their personal information is safe in the hands of medical processionals – but data breaches by the NHS are at the top of the list in terms of how often they happen.

Due to the sensitivity of the information that we hand over to the NHS, it is very private and personal information that could be leaked. It is not the same with handing information over to businesses or companies in which we can choose what information we wish to share with them. We have no option but to share lots of personal information with the NHS which can make it even more of a problem when a data breach occurs.

So it’s concerning to hear that one of the biggest offenders of leaks and breaches within the UK is the NHS!

A report was carried out by Big Brother Watch on the NHS which found that patient confidentiality is breached on average 5 times a week, and even found that patient information has been shared on social media websites.

The report, which was carried out between 2008 and 2011, found that, on average, 268 incidents of data breaches took place a year. There were at least 23 incidents where NHS staff had posted patient’s medical information on social media sites; there were at least 57 incidents where medical information was lost or stolen; and 129 incidents where NHS staff accessed the private medical information of their colleagues and family members.

Duty to keep patient information confidential

All members of the NHS are under a duty to keep patient information confidential. This is crucial for patients as they may otherwise be put off seeking medical advice if they believed their personal information would not remain confidential.

That’s a scenario we simply cannot have…

It’s in the public’s best interest to keep patient information confidential. Guidelines have been provided by the General Medical Council and the British Medical Association confirming that doctors must follow the rules to ensure patient’s information is kept confidential.

56 Dean Street data leak

56 Dean Street is a high profile NHS data leak that we are currently helping a lot of people claim for. It was a truly awful and unfortunate situation that led to the identities of almost 800 patient’s being leaked. The majority of those whose identity was leaked in the email are HIV positive, and the clinic services a small area of London, meaning people were able to identify other people they know from the leak.

Although the trust was quick to apologise on discovering the data breach, the damage had already been done.

Making a claim

If you have been a victim of data breach then we can help.

At the Data Leak Lawyers we are at the heart of big data breaches. We have and continue to represent clients on cases like the 56 Dean Street data leak and the TalkTalk data hack. With our experienced team and expert knowledge we can help you get the compensation you deserve.

If you have been a victim of a data leak we urge you to contact us. If we believe you have a claim we can help get you the compensation that you deserve.

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