UK (UPDATE) COMPUTER STOLEN http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-specialisms/management/data-security-scare-over-hospital-laptop-theft/5023401.article

Data security scare over hospital laptop theft

21 December, 2010 | By The Press Association

A laptop containing confidential patient details has been stolen from a hospital, according to reports.

Calderdale and Huddersfield Foundation Trust has written to around 1,500 people - letting them know their details were contained on the missing computer, according to the Huddersfield Examiner.

Hospital chiefs said the laptop was stolen from a locked office at the Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax at the end of last month.

A security scare has been triggered by the theft, with fears mounting over the safety of patients’ bank accounts and other personal information.

The letter reads: “You had tests on this machine which does contain some personal information, names, dates of birth and addresses.”

The laptop was part of a machine which scans skeletal muscles.

One patient who was scanned using the machine contacted the Examiner to say she had received the letter.

The woman, who did not want to be identified, said: “It says if I have any concerns I should contact the hospital. Obviously there are concerns but what can they really do?”