MEDIC LEAK SHOCK FOR NHS MUMS
THE confidential patient data of 31 new mums at a scandalhit NHS hospital was posted on Facebook by a medic.
Sensitive details were revealed by Italian researcher Luigi Carbone, who was working on a study to improve detection of pregnancies with a high risk of pre-eclampsia.
Mr Carbone uploaded a photo of his laptop screen to Facebook on July 2 with t he s t atus update: “#SUNnyDAYOUTSIDE #research #workhardplayhard.”
But clearly visible on the screen was a spreadsheet containing information about 31 women who gave birth at the hospital in June. Their names, NHS numbers and details of their baby’s birth could all be seen.
And because Mr Carbone’s Facebook settings were not set to private, any member of the public could view the information.
Terminated
The post remained live for more than a week before it was spotted by the social media team at North Middlesex University Hospital.
Bosses there have even admitted Mr Carbone should not have been given access to information about patients who had not agreed to take part in the research project.
A spokesman said: “Some of the patients on the spreadsheet had consented to take part but a few had not.
“This is against the rules of research governance and we are taking steps to ensure this can’t happen in future.”
The hospital said this would include tightening procedures regarding the release of patient information to researchers.
The hospital has suspended its participation in the study until further checks are carried out.
A spokesman last night apologised to patients concerned.
He said: “We have contacted each of them to explain what has happened and to say sorry. We have reported the data protection breach to the Information Commissioner and the Care Quality Commission.
“We ensured the researcher deleted it as soon as we became aware of it through our proactive daily monitoring of social media.
“He expressed his deep regret for his error of judgment. We have terminated his permission to carry out research at our hospital and he no longer works here. We are working
This is a terrible breach of patient confidentiality
cl closely with his employer or organisation to ensure a thorough inv investigation into this matter.” But PatientsPa Association chief John Kell said: “This is a terrible breach of patient confidentiality.
“It’s hard to know whether this was an isolated, foolish slip, or whether it suggests the trust’s training of staff on confidentiality and data protection is inadequate.”
Mr Carbone, believed to be in his 30s and employed by a university in Italy, had worked at the North London hospital since March under a research agreement.
It was headed by foetal medicine expert Professor Kypros Nicholaides of The Fetal Medicine Foundation. A spokesman for the foundation confirmed Mr Carbone had been kicked off the project.
He also has a contract allowing him to carry out research at King’s College Hospital in London. But hospital bosses say this agreement is now under review.
It is the latest in a string of scandals to hit North Middlesex Hospital, which has been repeatedly criticised by the CQC.
Last year the watchdog’s inspection report was so damning it even sparked a debate in Parliament.
Working conditions were so bad in A& E, Health Education England threatened to remove all 26 junior doctors on safety grounds – which would have shut the department due to lack of staff.
Last July we revealed the body of a patient who died in A&E went unnoticed for so long rigor mortis set in.
On wards for the elderly, there was also evidence of patients suffering from abuse, neglect and lack of fluids.
The inspection was sparked by our revelation that in February patients were ordered over the loudspeaker system: “Go home if you’re not dying.”
The Sunday People has attempted to contact Mr Carbone via the hospital and Facebook but he has not responded.