Hospital loses patients` details

17 Jun 2009

It went missing from the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), probably when the clinic moved offices earlier this year, and was handed in to another hospital.

Says Helen Lamont, nursing and patient-services director at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust: "A list containing patient information, originating from a clinic at the RVI, was handed to reception staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead by a member of the public.

"The list contained details of 188 patients and includes patient name and address details along with brief summary information relating to each patient's condition.

"This list was routinely used in the clinic. The trust has informed the patients, and staff are available to discuss any issues or concerns with the patients."