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-england-london-34127740

The article has changed 12 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
London clinic leaks HIV status of patients London clinic leaks HIV status of patients
(35 minutes later)
A sexual health clinic mistakenly leaked the HIV status of nearly 800 patients, bosses admitted.A sexual health clinic mistakenly leaked the HIV status of nearly 800 patients, bosses admitted.
The 56 Dean Street clinic in London's Soho sent out names and email addresses of 780 patients with HIV in an information sheet regularly sent out to people who attend the clinic. The 56 Dean Street clinic in London's Soho sent out the names and email addresses of 780 patients when a newsletter was issued to people who attend the clinic.
Patients were supposed to be blind-copied into an email but instead details were sent as a group email. Patients were supposed to be blind-copied into the email but instead details were sent as a group email.
It was down to a member of staff's "human error", the clinic said.It was down to a member of staff's "human error", the clinic said.
The Information Commissioner's Office said it was aware of the incident and would be making inquiries.The Information Commissioner's Office said it was aware of the incident and would be making inquiries.
The maximum fine for breaches of data protection is £500,000.The maximum fine for breaches of data protection is £500,000.
'Huge breach' 'We screwed up'
The centre, along with others in the trust's network, comprises Europe's biggest sexual health service.The centre, along with others in the trust's network, comprises Europe's biggest sexual health service.
Patients who have attended HIV clinics and opted in for the clinic's OptionE service were able to see the names and addresses of other patients.Patients who have attended HIV clinics and opted in for the clinic's OptionE service were able to see the names and addresses of other patients.
The clinic's online service lets people book appointments and receive test results by email.The clinic's online service lets people book appointments and receive test results by email.
Elliot Herman, 38, who has seen a copy of the email, said: "There were 780 people on the list and I'm quite sure that not all of them have revealed their status.Elliot Herman, 38, who has seen a copy of the email, said: "There were 780 people on the list and I'm quite sure that not all of them have revealed their status.
"There were friends of mine on the list who I didn't know were HIV-positive, although I hear that Dean Street says we shouldn't make assumptions."There were friends of mine on the list who I didn't know were HIV-positive, although I hear that Dean Street says we shouldn't make assumptions.
"For me Dean Street is amazing, a great organisation, very well-run. They provide an excellent service."For me Dean Street is amazing, a great organisation, very well-run. They provide an excellent service.
"What's done is done, they are clearly learning from their mistakes. Having worked in the NHS I understand what a huge breach this is.""What's done is done, they are clearly learning from their mistakes. Having worked in the NHS I understand what a huge breach this is."
'Confidentiality is crucial''Confidentiality is crucial'
A spokesperson for Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, which runs the clinic, said "within an hour" of the leak on Tuesday the clinic's director had apologised. Dr Alan McOwan, consultant and lead clinician at the clinic, said the breach was a "devastating error".
"Obviously, the hospital is leading a review to find out how this happened and make sure it doesn't happen again," he explained. He added: "Clearly the first priority right now is to be there for the people who use our service. But I think it's really important to say to people not everyone on this list is HIV positive."
Another apology from the medical director at the clinic would be sent out later, he said, adding it was "too early" to say what, if any action would be taken against the member of staff. A lot of the calls the clinic was receiving are from people who were "worried" that information implies all people on the list are HIV positive.
"That actually isn't the case but hands up, we screwed up on this one," he said.
A spokesperson for Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, which runs the clinic, said it was "too early" to say what, if any action would be taken against the member of staff.
Chief executive of the National Aids Trust Deborah Gold said: "Confidentiality is crucial to people living with HIV.Chief executive of the National Aids Trust Deborah Gold said: "Confidentiality is crucial to people living with HIV.
"Who people disclose their HIV status to is an extremely personal decision - this type of leak will be very distressing and should not have been possible.""Who people disclose their HIV status to is an extremely personal decision - this type of leak will be very distressing and should not have been possible."
She called for all HIV clinics to "urgently review" their processes so such a leak "cannot happen again".She called for all HIV clinics to "urgently review" their processes so such a leak "cannot happen again".
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? If you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist about these issues you can get in touch with us in the following ways:Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? If you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist about these issues you can get in touch with us in the following ways:
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist.
We will not publish your name, location or any of your details without your permission.We will not publish your name, location or any of your details without your permission.
Or comment here:Or comment here: