Private health documents discovered in Wexford house

The Health Service Executive has said it is co-operating with the Data Protection Commissioner after patients’ confidential medical files were discovered in a house in Wexford.

An Garda Síochána said a number of files pertaining to the HSE were discovered at a premises in Enniscorthy on Tuesday and that the matter was referred to the HSE.

The HSE said it was contacted by a member of the public alleging that confidential documentation relating to clients of its services had been located in the house.

“All such documentation is now in the possession of the HSE,” a spokesman said, adding: “The alleged incident has been notified to the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.

‘Adherence to guidance’

“The HSE are working in adherence to guidance provided by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner in relation to an issue of this nature.”

The HSE said it was “taking this matter extremely seriously and has initiated an investigation”.

The statement added: “The HSE will be co-operating with the Data Protection Commissioner’s office as to any follow-up actions that need to be taken.

“The HSE has policies and procedures in place to ensure that patients’ medical information is treated in confidence and that such material is not accessed inappropriately.”