Computer security is stepped up

Dudley hospital chiefs will spend £135,000 to boost computer security following the theft of a laptop containing personal information on more than 5,000 out-patients.

The Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust will spend the money scrambling information on all laptops, desk top computers, hand-held computers and memory sticks.

The trust has moved to step up security in the wake of the theft of the laptop which was stolen on January 8 from the anti-coagulant clinic which deals with people suffering from blood-thinning problems.

The laptop, a Fujitsu Siemens C Series Lifebook, contained information including names, addresses, birth dates and clinic details, such as appointment times, of 5,123 out-patients. Hospital bosses today stressed that the information did not include medical details.

Thousands of letters have been sent out to patients telling them about the incident and describing the theft as "very unfortunate".

Communications and marketing assistant at the trust, Sally Lavender, re-assured patients the information was password protected. "The police have made every effort to recover the laptop, but unfortunately have been unable to do so," she said.