Probe as Sandwell patient data posted on Facebook

An individual's private information, which was spelt out on a letter sent out by Sandwell Council to an external organisation, was posted in a photograph on the website. The letter was at the top of a pile of papers underneath a novelty paperweight which seemed to bemoan someone's workload with the message 'Oh no! Not another crisis my schedule is full'.

A sticky note appears to give a woman's full first name, and a message underneath, and the letter that follows in the pile gives a Tipton address, and the fact that a council support worker has begun working with a lady with mental health issues – although no name is mentioned in the letter itself.

The details could be read through the transparent glass of the paperweight.

The publication of the material led the authority to raise concerns with the external organisation, which chiefs say it would be inappropriate to name.

Bosses have underlined the person posting the letter to the website was not a council employee and the picture was not taken on its premises.

The image has since been removed from the website.

A member of the public who saw the post had originally reported it to the council's information management unit – the area of the council which oversees data protection among employees.

David Stevens, Sandwell Council's director of adult social care, said today: "I can confirm that the photograph was not posted on Facebook by a council employee.

"Our inquiries have also confirmed the photograph was not taken on council premises. The letter, which was sent from the council to an external organisation, did not contain a service user's name or address, so there has been no breach of data from the council. We spoke to the external organisation to raise our concerns about the photograph when it was brought to our attention and to ensure they took appropriate action.

"The photograph has been removed from Facebook."

The woman who reported the picture's publication but who wished to remain anonymous, wrote to the authority: "I find it utterly reprehensible. As a member of the public I want to complain about this.

"If members of the public are able to view this data then it may adversely affect the life of this person and could impact on their mental health condition further more.

"I am so concerned about this incident that I feel it is in my public duty to raise this with the Women's Aid Charity and the Express & Star to avoid further incidents in the future.

"Clearly the individual who has taken this photo has no regard for the laws of the Data Protection Act 1998 and finds it entertaining to amuse themself and others with this picture without regard for the person named on the letter. This incident denotes utter carelessness."