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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson of Caritas Medical Centre (CMC) made the following announcement today (July 4) regarding an incident of loss of medical records:
A doctor in the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) reported to the head of the department the loss of his personal computer bag yesterday (July 3) after taking a taxi. The bag contained a personal laptop computer and 12 copies of AED patients' records for research purposes. The records contained identifiable personal data of the patients and their next of kin. The doctor concerned has contacted a taxi radio station to try to locate the lost property.
Upon notification by the department concerned, the hospital management reported the incident to the Hospital Authority (HA) Head Office through the Advance Incidents Reporting System. In view of the risk of exposing personal data, the hospital has also reported the incident to the Police and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data.
CMC has informed most of the affected patients to extend apologies and reassured them that the incident would not affect their treatment and care. The hospital will continue to contact the rest of the affected patients.
CMC is very concerned about the incident and would like to extend apologies to the general public. The hospital will follow up in accordance with the HA's Human Resources Policy. All staff members have been reminded of the importance of protection of patient data and privacy. It was reiterated that prior approval should be obtained if any patient records have to be taken outside the hospital for work-related duties.
Ends/Friday, July 4, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:25
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