Munster critical of response to lost files

LOCAL TD Imelda Munster has criticised the HSE’s response to a data protection issue in which they claim consultant notes ‘fell out of the pocket of a staff member’ outside Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.

It has emerged that four pages of consultant’s notes fell out of the pocket of a member of staff outside the hospital.

The notes contained personal information about eighteen patients, including details of medical conditions and treatments.

They were later found by a passer-by, and have since been returned.

Deputy Munster said she has written to the Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD, seeking an investigation into the matter, and a full apology to all patients concerned from the HSE.

Deputy Munster said: ‘It is absolutely appalling that patient notes have been treated in such a careless manner. I can’t imagine how such a situation came about, but it is clear that the matter needs to be investigated to establish what happened, how it happened, and how we can stop such a breach ever happening again.

‘ This is the third time in as many years that a breach of this type has occurred at the hospital. It is imperative that systems are brought into place to ensure that this is the last time.

She said she hopes the Minister will take her concerns on board and acts to remedy this matter immediately.