In the wake of a data protection breach impacting 40,000 patients, East Midlands Ambulance Service is working to prevent future problems. The Lincolnshire Echo reports:
A strategy was developed at the Trust meeting on October 28 which resulted in new computerised systems and improving IT security.
The investigation found the computer system the information was stored on was obsolete, the security systems were not adequate enough to prevent data loss, and there were staff shortages which resulted in a higher number of temporary staff.
EMAS is now reviewing systems that use removable media to ensure that controls are in place for the movement and retention of data, they are decommissioning and replacing IT systems that do not comply with security standards, they will carry out regular follow ups, and will remind EMAS managers and colleagues of their responsibilities for information security.