SDHB to institute privacy safeguards after loss

A RANGE of privacy safeguards are to be instituted by the Southern District Health Board (SDHB) in the wake of the embarrassing loss of a document containing the personal details of 23 breast cancer patients.

The document was taken by a clinician to a meeting at Dunedin Hospital on July 4.

A public alert was issued soon after, which asked people to look for the misplaced piece of paper — which could have gone missing anywhere between Pacific Radiology’s Bond St office and the hospital.

Breast cancer organisations and the Privacy Commissioner each expressed deep concern about the loss of the document and potential breach of patient privacy.

Despite a thorough search of the CBD and relevant buildings, the document remains missing.

‘‘There is no indication it was ever been found by a member of the public,’’ SDHB chief executive Chris Fleming said.

‘‘Southern DHB and Pacific Radiology have together undertaken a thorough investigation to understand how the error happened and to identify and implement corrective actions to help ensure it doesn’t occur again.’’

A report had been produced, and its findings passed on to each of the affected patients, both by telephone and by letter. Recommendations included: A Providing password protected access to clinical files whenever possible;

A A standardised process for transport of paper documents, with lockable satchels, marked confidential, to safely transport confidential files; A Enabling clinicians to make sensitive notes using national health numbers and dates of births rather than names; A Equipping all clinical conference rooms with securely locked blue bins to dispose of paperbased confidential materials.

‘‘We’ve again apologised to affected patients,’’ Mr Fleming said.

‘‘We are confident the measures we’re putting in place will further protect patient privacy.’’