Surgery patients' data is stolen

The tape contains names and addresses of 3,500 patients

Information on more than 3,500 patients at a surgery in Greater Manchester has been stolen, health bosses have said.

Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust (PCT) said the details were on a back-up tape stolen on 12 July.

It contained the names, dates of birth and addresses of patients at Trinity Medical Centre in Littleborough.

PCT bosses said the tape, which was stored away from the surgery, was password protected and would therefore be difficult to access.

Patients have been informed about the theft and anyone with concerns can call a helpline on 0800 121 4430.

Trevor Purt, PCT chief executive, said: "Following consultation with the IT system suppliers, we believe that it would be extremely difficult for anyone to access or use the data.

"The PCT has supported the practice in contacting all of its patients and will be reviewing what further security measures could be implemented by practices in the borough to prevent future losses."