Medical notes found in empty flat

The notes contained confidential patient information

Medical notes relating to 39 people have been found in an empty flat in Glasgow, it has emerged.

It is understood the flat was the former home of a community healthcare worker who used to work for Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board.

The records contain information about identifiable patients who were treated between 2002 and 2004.

The health board said it had launched an investigation and was trying to contact the patients involved.

'Extremely concerned'

Marian Stewart, depute director of health, information and technology, said: "We have very strict policies and procedures regarding the security of patient records which requires all staff, whether in hospital or community settings, to ensure that records are securely stored after use.

"On appointment every employee receives a statement of their responsibilities in the maintenance of confidentiality and must confirm their acceptance of these guidelines.

"We are therefore extremely concerned to learn of yesterday's discovery of patient records in an unoccupied Glasgow flat.

"We have already sought advice from police authorities and they are assisting us in taking forward out investigations."

She added: "I would like to record my thanks to a member of the local community for acting responsibility and promptly returning the records to the care of NHS staff."