London clinic leaks HIV status of nearly 800 patients

BBC.COM | Wednesday September 2, 2015 16:01

 

The 56 Dean Street clinic in London's Soho sent out names and email addresses of 780 patients with HIV in an information sheet regularly sent out to people who attend the clinic.

Patients were supposed to be blind-copied into an email but instead details were sent as a group email.

It was down to a member of staff's 'human error', the clinic said.

The centre, along with others in the trust's network, comprises Europe's biggest sexual health service.

Patients who have attended HIV clinics and opted in for the clinic's OptionE service were able to see the names and addresses of other patients.

The clinic's online service lets people book appointments and receive test results by email.

A spokesperson for Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, which runs the clinic, said 'within an hour' of the leak on Tuesday the clinic's director had apologised.

'Obviously, the hospital is leading a review to out how this happened and make sure it doesn't happen again,' he explained.

Another apology from the medical director at the clinic would be sent out later, he said, adding it was 'too early' to say what, if any action would be taken against the member of staff.

The Information Commissioner's Office said it was aware of the incident and would be making inquiries.

The maximum fine for breaches of data protection is £500,000.

BBC