NHS trust to increase data security

Managers at the East & North Hertfordshire NHS Trust are increasing data security following a breach of the Data Protection Act.

The breach involved a USB stick which contained patient’s details which had been lost on a train.

Mick Gorrill, Head of Enforcement at the ICO, said: “Storing sensitive personal data on unencrypted data sticks is a risk trusts should not be willing to take. If it is vital to store information for handover, this must be done with the highest security measures in place.

“Furthermore, it is vital that employees are fully aware of processes which could have prevented this incident from occurring. I am pleased that the trust has agreed to take practical and effective steps to ensure such an incident does not occur again.”