Data Breaches within the NHS are Rising

Data breaches within the NHS are increasing to an unacceptable standard, says a report published by Big Brother Watch last week.

It highlights the extent of confidential data breaches within the NHS between 2011 and 2014. With at least 7,255 breaches in this time, this equates to 201 breaches each month, including data being posted on social media, loss or theft. Compared to 806 in the period between 2008 and 2011, this suggests definitive action should be taken by the NHS to keep sensitive data secure.

The report notes: “the information held about patients by health agencies is amongst the most personal and private information that it’s possible to record.” High profile breaches include NHS Surrey being fined £200,000 by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) after more than 3,000 patient records were found on a second-hand computer.

Paul Curtis, Director of B&M Secure Shredding, commented: “Data breaches can lead to identity theft and a lack of trust between your business and its employees, customers and suppliers.

“Therefore, it is of vital importance that any confidential documents or media equipment containing sensitive or personal data are destroyed securely, by an accredited document destruction service.”

The report calls for higher sentences for the worst offenders of data protection breaches, in addition to better training so that staff are aware of the correct procedures to follow when it comes to sensitive information.

B&M Secure Shredding are registered members of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), working to BS EN ISO 9001: 2008 and Data Protection Act (1998) standards. With DBS (CRB) checked drivers and destruction of confidential materials to BS 15713 standards, we can destroy hard drives, uniforms, ID badges in addition to paper and cardboard shredding.

To find out more or enquire about our service, visit www.bagnallandmorris.com/secureshredding or call 0843 221 1022 for a quote.