Monthly Archives: March 2009

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust

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What
Loss of sensitive personal data.

How much
1,588 records.

Why
An unencrypted laptop containing sensitive personal data was stolen from a locked hospital room.

Regulator
ICO

Regulatory action
Undertaking issued to ensure that the data controller take all reasonable measures to ensure the physical security of equipment used to process physical data. Mobile media devices must be encrypted to a suitable standard and a clear policy covering the storage and use of personal data is implemented. All such devices must be registered with the IT department. All staff must receive adequate data protection training.

Reason for action
The laptop was password protected but not encrypted. It had not been locked in a cabinet as was usual but was stored in a covered box under the desk. The laptop did not appear to have been registered with the Trust’s IT department.

When
25 March 2009

Links
View PDF of the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust Undertaking (Breach Watch Archive)

2gether NHS Foundation Trust

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What
Loss of sensitive personal data.

How much
56 records.

Why
Four desktop computers, one laptop and a memory stick  containing sensitive personal data relating to patients were stolen from a locked room in the Trust’s building.

Regulator
ICO

Regulatory action
Undertaking issued to ensure that the data controller take all reasonable measures to ensure the physical security of equipment used to process physical data. Mobile media devices must be encrypted to a suitable standard and a clear policy covering the storage and use of personal data is implemented  All staff must receive adequate data protection training.

Reason for action
The laptop and memory stick were not encrypted, or locked away out of site, contrary to Trust policy.

When
24 March 2009

Links
View PDF of the 2gether NHS Foundation Trust Undertaking (Breach Watch Archive)

The North West London Hospitals NHS Trust

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What
Loss of sensitive personal data.

How much
About 361 records.

Why
Two laptop computers were stolen and in a separate incident, a desktop computer was stolen. In both cases these devices held the personal data of patients.

Regulator
ICO

Regulatory action
Undertaking issued to ensure that the data controller take all reasonable measures to ensure the physical security of personal data being processed. All storage devices must be sufficiently encrypted. All staff must receive adequate training in order to fulfil their obligations under such policies.

Reason for action
In both cases the machines were password protected but not encrypted. In the second incident a swipe card security system that controlled entry to the building has been disabled for maintenance.

When
19 March 2009

Links
View PDF of the North West London Hospitals NHS Trust Undertaking (Breach Watch Archive)