UK: North West Ambulance Service's increased breach reports may reflect better reporting - DataBreaches.Net

"Data obtained by the company shows that North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust has recorded almost 400 data breach incidents over the past three years, underlining the scale of the challenge facing the service. Ambulance trusts routinely manage highly sensitive personal information, including details shared during emergency calls, medical assessments carried out at the scene, and patient data transferred during hospital handovers."

"During the 2022/23 reporting period, the North West Ambulance Service logged 75 data breaches. This figure rose sharply to 143 incidents the following year. Most recently, the trust has reported a further increase, with 172 breaches recorded over the past year, indicating that data security issues remain an ongoing concern."

"Data confidentiality failures were the most frequent issue, accounting for 156 incidents, followed by unauthorised or incorrect disclosure of information, which made up a further 78 cases. Were the confidentiality failures human error or wrongdoing such as snooping? I NWAS explains some of the rise in numbers as a reflection of improved staff training in reporting of breaches. But the numbers are a good reminder that while we all tend to worry about ransomware attacks or digital events that can seriously impact patient care, the privacy breaches can significantly impact patient trust."

North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust logged almost 400 data breach incidents across three years, with annual counts rising from 75 to 143 to 172. Ambulance staff handle very sensitive information from emergency calls, on-scene assessments, and hospital handovers. Data confidentiality failures were the largest category, and unauthorised or incorrect disclosures were also frequent. NWAS attributes part of the rise to improved staff training and reporting of breaches. Privacy breaches can damage patient trust and represent risks distinct from ransomware or digital attacks. Continued focus on reporting, training, and prevention measures is required.

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