McLetchie slams ‘cavalier’ data attitude

CALLS have been made to put an end to the “cavalier” nature with which personal information is handled after NHS Lothian admitted losing details of 137 patients.

The health board yesterday said a member of staff had lost a USB memory stick which contained copies of letters it had sent to Edinburgh GPs.

Former Scottish Tory leader David McLetchie said it appeared there had been a clear disregard for rules and protocols governing the handling of such information, as well as a flagrant breach of the Data Protection Act.

The MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands said: “This is unacceptable and we need to call a halt to the cavalier attitude to personal, confidential and sensitive information which is evident in the actions of certain public servants.”

The community worker responsible for losing the information, who has not been identified, faces disciplinary action.