Theft allegation after patient records found in street (From Wimbledon Guardian)

Theft allegation after patient records found in street

4:25pm Friday 11th January 2008

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Police are investigating an allegation of theft after private medical documents were found dumped in a Kingston street.

Dozens of highly sensitive and urgent cancer, HIV and mental health test results carried out by Kingston Hospital were found abandoned in a bag.

The 173 documents, which included patients' names, dates of birth, NHS numbers and GP details, as well as their test results, was found inside a grubby, unmarked motorbike bag in Kingston Hill, shortly before 1pm last Friday.

The documents were then handed to the Surrey Comet which contacted the Information Commissioners' Office, responsible for enforcing data protection, and it promised to launch an immediate inquiry.

The Met Police confirmed today they were investigating an allegation of theft.

A spokesman for the Met said: "I can confirm we are investigating an allegation of theft in relation to documents found in Kingston on January 3 and 4."

Susan Kramer, Lib Dem MP for Richmond Park and Ed Davey Lib Dem MP for Kingston and Surbiton have both demanded an independent inquiry into the loss of the records.

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