Probe over access to patient data

NHS Hull has written to patients about the incident

An inquiry is being carried out into a data breach at a Hull GP surgery after patients' records were accessed by an unauthorised member of staff.

NHS Hull said it was working with the police after the incident at a GP group practice in the west of the city, which affects about 350 patients.

The individual no longer works for the NHS, the trust said.

John Codd, who is one of the affected patients, said he was "horrified" at the data breach.

NHS Hull said it had written to patients about the incident, in which the records which are stored on a computer were viewed.

Notified police

Kath Tansfield, a director at NHS Hull, said the records of two patients had been printed out.

She said: "One of our practices made a report to us and we launched an investigation. We take this very, very seriously.

"We have written to patients and given them advice and support. We are absolutely appalled by this individual's behaviour.

"The majority of our staff treat patient information with the sensitivity and confidentiality it deserves.

"This individual has broken a number of rules, regulation and, we believe, the law, which is why we notified the police."

Mr Codd said: "I am horrified that someone has gone through my personal details. It's disgusting."