UK STOLEN COMPUTER PROBE CLOSES Stolen laptop probe closes - Press & Journal: Monday 12 October 2009

Stolen laptop probe closes

patients fear their personal details are in thief’s hands

By Lori Reid

Published: 10/10/2009

AN INVESTIGATION into the theft of a laptop computer containing the details of more than 1,300 north-east hospital patients has been closed.

Grampian Police confirmed yesterday that the computer, which was stolen from a locked office at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, had not been found.

The laptop, which contained personal details of 1,392 patients, was taken from the hospital’s gastrointestinal office on April 15.

One patient whose private details – including his name, address, date of birth, diagnosis and medication – were stored on the computer said he was concerned that the laptop had not been recovered.

He said: “I’m very concerned that someone may have been able to access the information on the laptop and could have my details.

“Every day you hear about internet fraud, identity theft and people’s information being used by those who shouldn’t have it.

“It is very worrying that the computer has not been tracked down and the person who stole it has never been caught.”

A police spokesman said: “All lines of inquiry have been exhausted and if any new information comes to light we would investigate.”

At the time of the theft, health bosses said only an expert could access the password-protected files.

A spokesman for NHS Grampian said: “It is disappointing that the laptop and data have not been recovered.

“The computer included useful information which was to be used to improve services our patients receive.”