NHS data compensation claims set to rise

NHS data compensation claims could be set to keep rising as news of substandard systems hit the media headlines this month.

We can tell you from experience that a large proportion of the people we help for individual and group action / multi-party cases are for NHS data breach compensation claims. Worryingly, recent investigation results led to MPs reportedly branding some NHS systems as ‘unfit for purpose’, with other systems branded as ‘hopeless’, which doesn’t fill patients with confidence at all.

Part of the problem is understood to be the variety of systems used, and the age of some of the IT the NHS are relying upon.

Why might we see rises in NHS data compensation claims?

We may see rises – and perhaps continual rises – in NHS data compensation claims because areas of the NHS are struggling to keep up. It’s also understood that some systems in place aren’t as efficient as they could be, and all this is putting people at risk.

When it comes to some areas of cancer screening, the NHS are reportedly using 360 different IT systems. On top of that, some of the systems used are understood to be over 30 years old.

Why is this a problem?

Remember the WannaCry attack of 2017? The software at the heart of that incident specifically targeted older systems, which are typically more vulnerable to being compromised. When software and systems are so far out of date that even the developers aren’t patching them with new security updates, they can be an open door just waiting to be exploited by hackers.

Using too many different systems doesn’t help to  maintain security. Using systems that are decades old can leave data vulnerable to exposure.

NHS data compensation claims are common

We can tell you from years of experience that NHS data compensation claims are incredibly common. Thousands of people have approached us for help over the years we’ve been fighting for justice for victims for data breach victims, and many involve the NHS.

One of the most infamous actions we’re dealing with has gone down as one of the most severe NHS data leaks ever: the 56 Dean Street Clinic leak. We continue to represent people affected by the NHS Digital disclosure error too, and our personal injury office is representing patients affected by the IT glitch that came to light last year, where soome women did not receive their invitation for life-saving breast screening.

The dangers are real

The dangers of glitches, errors, and outdated systems and software, and a lack of consistency, are very real. Lives can be lost, as we saw in the breast screening scandal, and victims may lose control of their personal and sensitive medical information from a breach, leak or hack.

That’s why NHS data compensation claims are so prevalent, and why compensation amounts in these types of cases can be high.

For free, no-obligation advice if you think you’ve suffered because of an NHS data breach, make sure you speak to our team as soon as you can.

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