Laptop stolen from Saskatoon Sexual Health to blame for privacy breach of 156 clients

An office laptop with the personal health information of 156 people in the province was stolen from Saskatoon Sexual Health (SSH) in 2018, according to a report released last week from the Saskatchewan Information and Privacy Commissioner Ronald Kruzeniski.

The laptop, one of two stolen during a break-in at the centre’s office in November 2018, was never recovered.

The laptops containing names, birth dates, health numbers, addresses and treatment information of the clients were taken from the office’s basement that had been left unlocked due to human error.

SSH quickly reported the breach to the privacy commission and followed best practices and protocols to deal with the breach, according to the report.

All SSH clients were notified of the privacy breach and the centre has since developed a plan to prevent further breaches.

Client information is now stored on a secure, externally-managed electronic medical record. No information is stored on laptops.

Kruzeniski commended SSH for its efforts to prevent further breaches and recommended making annual privacy training available to its staff.

SSH is a pro-life organization that advocates, educates and offers clinical sexual and reproductive health services.