Central Essex Community Services was found in breach of the Data Protection Act after the loss of a birth book containing information about the general health of 249 mothers and their babies. According to a press release issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office today, the book – which should have been stored in a locked filing cabinet – was stored on top of the cabinet in a locked room due to no secure storage space being available. The book has never been recovered.
The healthcare provider has signed an undertaking to keep the personal information it uses secure. Staff will be trained on how to follow the organization’s data protection guidance and compliance with their existing policies will be routinely monitored to make sure they are being followed.
Source: Information Commissioner’s Office