Inquiry after 20 strangers’ test results missent to Welsh lawyer

THE Department of Health has ordered an investigation into why a lawyer in North Wales was sent 20 results of coronavirus tests intended for other people.

The messages are understood to have included the names and dates of birth of people who had been tested for Covid19, together with the fact the person’s coronavirus test result was negative.

They were sent to Adrian Mason’s mobile phone in two batches on different days over the past 10 days. Mr

Mason, 63, from Colwyn Bay, said he was amazed to receive the results not least because he has never been tested.

Mr Mason, who is also a Conservative councillor, said he would like the Information Commissioner’s Office to investigate. He told The Daily Telegraph: “I don’t know how they had my number.

“People are trusting the NHS to look after their data and it is not happening. I am concerned about it – if it is happening to me, is it happening to other people?” David Jones, a former Brexit minister and Mr Mason’s MP, added: “This i s by any standard a serious breach of data protection and patient confidentiality. A full, rigorous inquiry is called for, to ensure that this can never happen again.”

The Department of Health said: “Everyone who tests positive is contacted directly and informed of their results either by text or email. We are not aware of this issue and will investigate.”

The ICO said: “When anyone is concerned about how their personal information has been handled, they should first contact the organisation involved. If they are still not satisfied, they can bring it to the ICO.”