Massive Data Blunder Leaks Ambulance Staff’s Private Medical Records
Private medical details of South East Coast Ambulance staff were accidentally exposed to all employees in a massive data breach.
Sensitive information about workers off sick with illnesses, mental health struggles, accidents, and surgeries was stored on a server meant only for senior managers — but somehow made accessible to the entire staff.
ICO Launches Probe into Embarrassing Breach
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and South East Coast Ambulance have launched a full investigation into the gaffe, which risks breaching confidentiality rules.
The slip-up was revealed in a memo from the employee relations team within HR. Once the mistake was spotted, the password protection was reinstated and staff were informed by email.
Insiders Fear Privacy Isn’t Being Taken Seriously
A source inside the service said: “We’re confident no one else accessed the records, but it’s alarming that an organisation responsible for protecting public medical data can’t safeguard its own staff’s privacy.”
“This is an extremely serious data breach. Staff are outraged their personal information has been shared so inappropriately.”
South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECam) have been approached for comment.
