Pictou County Health Authority

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May 29, 2008

PCHA responds to theft of computer device

New Glasgow, NS – The Pictou County Health Authority is contacting 150 clients who received child and adolescent mental health services since August 2007 after a USB memory stick was stolen from an employee’s office.

The New Glasgow Police Service is investigating the theft which happened on Tuesday at the Aberdeen Hospital.

The memory stick contains clients’ personal health information. No information was lost as hard copies of the information were kept in client files.

“We regret that this incident has happened. The protection of patient and client information is of utmost priority and concern,” said CEO Pat Lee. “We are cooperating with the police and doing everything we can to retrieve the stolen item.”

“We want to assure our clients and their families that this event will not have any impact on their care nor will it result in delays in the delivery of service.”

Mental health staff began contacting clients on Wednesday evening to advise them of the theft. Approximately 90 clients have already been contacted and every attempt will be made to contact all those directly affected.

The memory stick was not encrypted which is inconsistent with health authority policy. As a result of this incident, the health authority will review its security practices for information systems and technology.

The health authority is advising anyone who thinks they may be one of these clients to call 755-1137 if they have not yet received a telephone call from mental health staff.

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Contact: Eileen MacIsaac
Public Relations
752-7600, ext. 1124

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