This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/7470006.stm

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
999 calls disk 'lost' by courier 999 calls disk 'lost' by courier
(30 minutes later)
The Scottish Ambulance Service has admitted that a package containing contact information has been lost.The Scottish Ambulance Service has admitted that a package containing contact information has been lost.
The computer disk from its Paisley Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre (EMDC) was lost by the courier, TNT.The computer disk from its Paisley Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre (EMDC) was lost by the courier, TNT.
The disk contained a copy of records, including some phone numbers and patient names, of 894,629 calls to the Paisley centre since February 2006.The disk contained a copy of records, including some phone numbers and patient names, of 894,629 calls to the Paisley centre since February 2006.
It was encrypted and password protected and an ambulance spokesman said it would be extremely difficult to access.It was encrypted and password protected and an ambulance spokesman said it would be extremely difficult to access.
The disk was sent on 9 June to MIS Emergency Services Ltd in Manchester. The courier company has accepted full responsibility for the loss and we are confident that this is an unfortunate but isolated incident Scottish government spokesman The disk was sent on 9 June to MIS Emergency Services Ltd in Manchester. This is not people's private medical records Nicola SturgeonHealth secretary
MIS supplies the computer system used in the Scottish ambulance service's three EMDCs.MIS supplies the computer system used in the Scottish ambulance service's three EMDCs.
TNT said it could not locate the package.TNT said it could not locate the package.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "This is call centre information that the ambulance service takes from people calling in.
"It has no personal information that could be misused by anybody.
"It will contain some addresses, some patient names and in some circumstances telephone numbers.
"This is not people's private medical records."
She added that it was a very serious breach on the part of TNT and the government would keep closely involved in follow-up discussions.
Fully encrypted
A spokesman for the ambulance service said the disk information was to be used in the development of command and control systems.A spokesman for the ambulance service said the disk information was to be used in the development of command and control systems.
Pauline Moore, acting chief executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: "All security procedures for the transfer of data were followed, however TNT have advised that they cannot find the package Pauline Moore, acting chief executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: "The information stored on the disk is fully encrypted and it would be extremely difficult to access any names or addresses.
"The information stored on the disk is fully encrypted and it would be extremely difficult to access any names or addresses.
"We have established a phone line for anyone who may have concerns to call and discuss them with us.""We have established a phone line for anyone who may have concerns to call and discuss them with us."
Isolated incident
She added: "The secure management of patient data is vitally important.She added: "The secure management of patient data is vitally important.
"We have followed recommended guidelines for the transfer of data and it is disappointing and regrettable that this has happened. We are currently addressing the issue with TNT.""We have followed recommended guidelines for the transfer of data and it is disappointing and regrettable that this has happened. We are currently addressing the issue with TNT."
A Scottish Government spokesman said: "The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) informed us late on Thursday June 19 that contact information being transported by TNT from its Paisley Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre was missing.
"Extensive searches have been ongoing since, and concluded earlier today.
"The courier company has accepted full responsibility for the loss and we are confident that this is an unfortunate but isolated incident."
In order to protect the 999 system from inquiries by the public, the ambulance service has set up a contact number (0800 783 4914) for anyone who has any questions about the loss.In order to protect the 999 system from inquiries by the public, the ambulance service has set up a contact number (0800 783 4914) for anyone who has any questions about the loss.
The service has asked callers not to phone 999 with any inquiries.The service has asked callers not to phone 999 with any inquiries.