345 patient details in midwife’s lost diary

PENNINE Acute Trust has apologised to hundreds of new and expectant mothers after a midwife lost a diary containing their names and addresses.

The trust, which runs the Royal Oldham Hospital, has written to 345 women in the Rochdale area.

The hand-written diary covered the midwife’s antenatal and post-natal appointments between January and July.

A trust spokesman said the diary contained telephone numbers and addresses but no medical information.

Eileen Stringer, consultant midwife at Rochdale Infirmary where the midwife is based, said: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience or concerns which this has caused. We have written to let women know of this issue because they have a right to know that the diary has gone missing.

“The letters include details of an information line in case they have any concerns.

“We have assured them that this in no way compromises any of their clinical care. This is a diary, not health records.”

The trust spokesman said the women who had contacted the helpline had been very understanding.

The Pennine Acute Trust is now reviewing the use of hand-held diaries by its staff.