Chief Executive of Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals,
Duncan Selbie said:
“We dispute the Information Commissioner’s findings, especially that we were reckless, a requirement for any fine. We arranged for an experienced NHS IT service provider to safely dispose of our redundant hard drives and acted swiftly to recover, without exception, those that their sub-contractor placed on eBay. No sensitive data has therefore entered the public domain. We reported all of this voluntarily to the Information Commissioner’s Office, who told me last summer that this was not a case worthy of a fine.
“The Information Commissioner has ignored our extensive representations. It is a matter of frank surprise that we still do not know why they have imposed such an extraordinary fine despite repeated attempts to find out, including a freedom of information request which they interestingly refused on the basis that it would “prejudice the monetary penalty process”.
“In a time of austerity, we have to ensure more than ever that we deliver the best and safest care to our patients with the money that we have available. We simply cannot afford to pay a £325,000 fine and are therefore appealing to the Information Tribunal.”
Ends
For further information contact Director of Communications Rachel Clinton on 01273 664911
