This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-21177311

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Hospital patients' records dumped in corridor Hospital patients' records dumped in corridor
(about 5 hours later)
A bag full of confidential patients' records was dumped in a corridor for days at Wales' biggest hospital.A bag full of confidential patients' records was dumped in a corridor for days at Wales' biggest hospital.
The bag was left on top of a shredding bin for four days on a spinal ward at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.The bag was left on top of a shredding bin for four days on a spinal ward at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.
A hospital worker contacted the BBC to complain over the hospital's records disposal policy.A hospital worker contacted the BBC to complain over the hospital's records disposal policy.
A hospital spokesman said the matter was being taken seriously and an investigation was underway.A hospital spokesman said the matter was being taken seriously and an investigation was underway.
The worker who found the dumped records, but who wanted to remain anonymous, told the BBC: "I think it's appalling that confidential patient records are left lying around. It's a breach of patients' confidence and trust.The worker who found the dumped records, but who wanted to remain anonymous, told the BBC: "I think it's appalling that confidential patient records are left lying around. It's a breach of patients' confidence and trust.
"The paperwork includes confidential patient records, including details of medical history and treatment plans. They should be taken away and shredded, not left lying around in a public corridor.""The paperwork includes confidential patient records, including details of medical history and treatment plans. They should be taken away and shredded, not left lying around in a public corridor."
'Investigating'
The records were left in a public corridor near A6 ward, which is a spinal and thoracic ward.The records were left in a public corridor near A6 ward, which is a spinal and thoracic ward.
The hospital worker said the records belonged to spinal patients and had been seen on the bin last Monday.The hospital worker said the records belonged to spinal patients and had been seen on the bin last Monday.
It is understood the documents were still there on Thursday, but by Friday had been removed.It is understood the documents were still there on Thursday, but by Friday had been removed.
Dr Graham Shortland, medical director for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: "The health board places the utmost importance on patient confidentiality and takes its role as guardian of personal information very seriously.Dr Graham Shortland, medical director for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: "The health board places the utmost importance on patient confidentiality and takes its role as guardian of personal information very seriously.
"We have already taken action to secure the information and are investigating exactly why this has happened."We have already taken action to secure the information and are investigating exactly why this has happened.
"We actively encourage anyone, staff or public, to be aware of the importance of ensuring information is secure and the need to raise any issues immediately with the health board.""We actively encourage anyone, staff or public, to be aware of the importance of ensuring information is secure and the need to raise any issues immediately with the health board."