Addenbrooke’s Hospital Apologises for Two Data Breaches Affecting 22,446 Patients

Addenbrooke’s Hospital, one of the leading medical institutions in the United Kingdom, has issued an official apology for two separate data breaches that occurred in 2020 and 2021. These breaches have affected a total of 22,446 patients, raising concerns about the security and privacy of their personal information.

The first data breach, which took place in 2020, exposed the personal details of 14,521 patients. The hospital discovered the breach during a routine security audit and immediately launched an investigation. It was determined that an unauthorized individual had gained access to the hospital’s system, compromising sensitive information such as names, addresses, contact numbers, and medical records. Addenbrooke’s Hospital promptly notified the affected patients and implemented additional security measures to prevent any further breaches.

Unfortunately, despite their efforts to enhance security, Addenbrooke’s Hospital fell victim to another data breach in 2021. This breach impacted an additional 7,925 patients. The hospital once again detected the breach through their robust monitoring systems and swiftly initiated an investigation. It was revealed that a staff member had unintentionally shared patient information with an external party, leading to the breach. The information exposed in this incident included names, dates of birth, and limited medical details.

Upon discovering the second breach, Addenbrooke’s Hospital promptly contacted the affected patients, providing them with detailed information about the incident and offering support. The hospital has also taken immediate steps to rectify the situation, including reinforcing staff training on data protection protocols and implementing stricter controls on information sharing.

The Chief Executive of Addenbrooke’s Hospital, expressing sincere regret, issued a public apology for the breaches, acknowledging the distress caused to the affected patients. Additionally, the hospital has assured patients that they are working closely with relevant authorities, including the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), to conduct a thorough investigation and prevent future breaches.

Protecting patient data and privacy is of utmost importance to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, and they are committed to implementing stronger safeguards to ensure the security of patient information. They have urged all patients affected by these breaches to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to their personal information.

In conclusion, Addenbrooke’s Hospital deeply regrets the two data breaches that have affected a total of 22,446 patients. They are taking immediate action to address the breaches, enhance security measures, and provide support to the affected individuals. The hospital remains committed to maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy while continuously improving their data protection practices.