The Department of Health has enhanced office security and is working with Police in investigating a suspected stolen removable electronic storage device. The USB disk contains information on 700 patients, the department's Deputy Director Dr Gloria Tam says.

Briefing the media today, Dr Tam said a female doctor at the Tuen Mun Child Assessment Centre found the USB missing on April 18. The device contained patients' particulars, medical reports and referral letters.

The department reported the case to Police on April 22 after repeated attempts to locate the device failed, she added.

Apologising to the families for the unfortunate incident, Dr Tam said 85% of the affected patients are children who visit the centre while the rest are children from other similar centres.

Personal data involved

The department has written to concerned patients' parents, and notified the Privacy Commissioner of Personal Data. Dr Tam stressed the children's treatment and referral arrangements would not be affected as the original medical records remained intact.

Noting the case involved personal privacy, she urged the affected families to be vigilant and report to the Police if suspicious people approached them with their personal data.

The department's enquiry hotline, 2125 1133, will operate until 9pm today, and from 9am to 1pm this weekend, and 9am to 5pm during weekdays starting on Monday.

Security stepped up

Dr Tam said staff have been reminded of the absolute importance of office security and to strictly adhere to Government security regulations.

The department has implemented three measures with immediate effect to avoid future incidents:

* staff will aim to store as little identifiable patient information in USB devices as possible;

* the information on these devices will be encrypted; and

* the devices should not be removed from the specific office/clinic without  prior approval.

Dr Tam said the concerned doctor's case may be dealt with under civil-service regulations after the investigation is completed.