UK COMPUTER STOLEN Laptop containing dental images stolen from NHSCT member - Midulster Today:

Laptop containing dental images stolen from NHSCT member

Published Date: 10 July 2008
By Staff reporter

A LAPTOP containing names and dental images of over 100 patients was stolen from the home of a Northern Health and Social Care Trust staff member, the MAIL has learned.

Letters were issued to those affected, notifying them of the theft. However the letter points out that in no way was personal security compromised and it apologies for the incident.

A spokesman for the Northern Trust confirmed it had been alerted to the loss of patient data, following the theft of a laptop computer and a USB memory device from the home of a member of staff.

"Our investigations assure us that although the missing files contain the names and dental photographs of 128 patients, there are no further details that would in any way compromise the security of individuals.

"We apologise sincerely for any concern this incident will have caused; we have written to each of these patients and will offer any support needed.”

The spokesperson added that they are reviewing a number of IT policies as a result of this incident, including the use of portable storage devices and the introduction of encryption software.