HEALTH bosses have apologised after the names and addresses of patients were stolen from a nurse's car.
The details of 233 patients in Rutland and Leicestershire were taken. The information included names and addresses of GP practices and the patients' NHS reference numbers.
The theft came as Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Trust said it was c
arrying out a review after discovering an error affecting about 5,700 patient records.
The stolen Rutland details were in a printout and a laptop computer taken from a car in a residential area in Leicestershire on June 5 or 6.
All patients affected have have been notified and sent a written apology.
Rachel North, of Leicestershire County and Rutland Primary Care Trust said: "First of all I'd like to apologise to the patents whose details have been stolen. This shouldn't have happened and we are truly sorry.
"There will never be a failsafe way of protecting all patient information because nurses need to carry information with them in order to be able to do their job. That said, in this case clearly the nurse did not need to be carrying information about so many patients. That was an error of judgement and a breach of our information security policy, and as such is being dealt with.
"We take our responsibility for confidentiality very seriously. Since the incident, we've reminded all of our staff to carry only the minimum amount of patient information needed for the day and not to leave it in their cars."
Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Trust launched its review after it found an "anomaly" with its administrative process for waiting lists. It is refusing to specify what the problem was, other than to say a member of staff did not follow trust policy. One worker was suspended.
The trust says no patients were adversely affected and waiting times were not lenghtened as a result.
Chief executive Nik Patten said: "We are reminding members of staff of the vital need to follow trust waiting list policies and we will provide updates on the investigation as we are able to."
Anyone would like more information can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 01733 875847.
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