AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a container of confidential documents from a medical practice collected by a waste shredding company fell out of a van in Rawtenstall.

The incident occurred last Tuesday in Burnley Road.

The majority of the waste paper from the Haslingden Medical Group has been recovered but a full investigation by both the NHS and the waste removal company has been launched.

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Dr Tom Mackenzie, senior partner at the practice, said the situation was being taken very seriously.

He said: “We are very concerned regarding this matter and I would like to apologise on behalf of Haslingden Medical Group to anyone who may be affected by this.

“As a practice we follow rigorous protocols regarding patient confidentiality and information governance.

“All health facilities use specialist shredding companies to dispose of confidential waste securely and such waste should be shredded on site at the practice first before being transported.

“Unfortunately in this instance, it appears that the material was removed un-shredded and in the process the container holding this material has fallen out of the collection vehicle.

“This is clearly unacceptable and breaches NHS information governance standards.

“We have alerted the relevant authorities with regard to this.

“If any member of the public finds any sensitive or confidential material, I would ask them to respect the confidential nature of this and contact the practice immediately.”

Haslingden councillor Gladys Sandiford said that the incident was deeply concerning.

She said: “It’s firstly concerning personally as I am registered to that practice but of course it’s worrying for everyone else in Haslingden too.

“I don’t know how confidential documents have been allowed to fall out of a van, you would think it would be more secure.

“Equally as concerning is the fact that the documents have been taken away not shredded. It’s worrying who might get hold of them.

“It’s also a wonder whether we should even be keeping documents like that as paper or online – both can be unsafe.”

Patients who have any concerns can contact the practice manager Elaine Bates on 01706 605115.