UK Health Clinic Accidentally Publishes HIV Status of 800 Patients

An anonymous reader writes: A sexual health clinic in London accidentally disclosed the HIV positive status of almost 800 patients. The Guardian reports: "The health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has ordered an inquiry into how the NHS handles confidential medical information after the “completely unacceptable” breach of the privacy of hundreds of HIV patients. The 56 Dean Street clinic in London apologized on Wednesday after sending a newsletter on Tuesday which disclosed the names and email addresses of about 780 recipients. The newsletter is intended for people using its HIV and other sexual health services, and gives details of treatments and support.

Comments

Re:Status was NOT divulged, only email identities

[Anonymous Coward]

From the article, the service is "a service set up for patients who are stable and on long-term HIV treatment." So, no, status wasn't formally disclosed but it's not like a general clinic where you'd have positive and negative test results.

BCC is a horrible trap waiting for that fat-fingered moment. There are better ways, but they need training.

Re:Status was NOT divulged, only email identities

[tigersha]

CC is a horrible trap, BCC is not