Moray MP Douglas Ross has urged NHS Grampian to carry out an immediate review into procedures when sending patients medical letters.
Douglas’ call comes after he was contacted by a patient from Elgin who received an update from Dr Gray’s Hospital on an upcoming appointment.
However, the patient soon discovered that the letter also included details of another patient’s appointment who also lives in Elgin.
Douglas says it is utterly appalling that this situation could have occurred and pointed out that it is not the first time that NHS Grampian have made a serious error like this.
He says this has worried the patients involved and has called on NHS Grampian bosses to ensure policies are put in place to avoid yet another incident like this.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “It is very disappointing that an incident like this could occur.
“Sadly, it is not the first time that this has happened on NHS Grampian’s watch. It is little wonder that the patient contacted my office in such a state of distress.
“This is gross negligence from the health board and will have made this patient, as well as the patient whose details they unwittingly came across hugely anxious.
“There are serious questions for NHS Grampian to answer over how this happened, given I have raised such data breaches before.
“They need to give an absolute guarantee that proper procedures are being followed at all times, when it comes to confidential medical data.
“That clearly didn’t happen here and there has been a lack of due diligence.
“I hope the health board can reassure these patients as quickly as possible and guarantee this is the last time this sort of serious breach will happen.”