Information watchdog investigating Kate’s ‘data breach’ details next steps

A senior official from the information watchdog, which is investigating how the Princess of Wales’s medical records were allegedly accessed, has outlined the possible outcomes of an investigation like the one involving Kate.

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) deputy commissioner Stephen Bonner revealed to Sky News details of how the organization investigates such incidents.

An ICO spokesperson confirmed this week that the organization had “received Violation Report” and is an “evaluation of the information provided.”

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Up to three people may have been involved in the breach following the attack on the princess. Discharged from London Clinic On January 29, the “Mirror” reported.

Bonner called such violations “very serious” but “thankfully very rare.”

“But when this happens, we have to take steps so people can trust their medical providers.”

He said that when a breach occurs, the ICO first assesses the organization “to see if they have taken reasonable steps to protect the information”.

“We can take action against individuals in the criminal courts if they abuse the trust placed in them and we have a record of doing so.”

But he said a conviction in such a case would likely result in a fine.

“The vast majority of medical professionals take this issue seriously. They understand their obligations,” he added.

“They don’t talk about it in pubs, they keep it safe. But obviously there are occasional people who try it out of curiosity or some other mechanism.

“We will work hard to find these people and make sure this stops.”

Mr Bonner added in an official statement: “We want to reassure everyone [the public] Data breaches in healthcare settings are rare, and millions of patients are treated every day without any issues. However, when it does happen, the ICO is here to find out when, how and why it happened, and how we can prevent it from happening again. “

He also said serious breaches must be reported to the ICO within 72 hours, but declined to comment on when the regulator was notified of the breach by the Princess of Wales.

Meanwhile, the Care and Quality Commission praised London clinic staff in 2021 for their “easy access” to medical records.

In a report on its surgical services published after an inspection in June 2021, the health watchdog said: “Staff kept detailed records of patient care and treatment. Records were clear, up-to-date, stored securely and all staff providing care It is easily accessible to staff.

“Patient records are maintained in both paper and electronic forms. Paper records are stored securely in a clocked cabinet at the nurse’s station. Patient records are easily accessible to staff.”

But it said the hospital’s leadership needed to improve because “the approach to managing patient safety incidents was inconsistent and learning was not always used to improve patient care”.

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It also said most policies were outdated and the policy review system was “ineffective”.

The CQC added: “The service did not have robust systems in place to monitor outcomes of care and treatment.”

Sky News has contacted the CQC for comment.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Andrea LeadsomThe deputy health minister told Sky News the alleged leak of information about the Princess of Wales was “completely outrageous”.

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“Obviously this is a matter for the Information Commissioner but every patient has the right to their privacy,” she said.

Mr Labor Leader Keir Starmer He also expressed concern about the intense public scrutiny of the Princess of Wales, telling people to “get out and leave her alone”. archbishop of canterbury Justin Welby described it as “country gossip” and a “mistake”.