Kent Health Provider Reports No Patient Data Breach After IT Incident

A community health provider located in Kent has stated that it possesses no evidence of unauthorized access to patient data, following an occurrence of “suspicious” IT activity. Medway Community Healthcare (MCH) found it necessary to disconnect its computer system earlier this month while an investigation into the matter was conducted. MCH delivers community health services to residents of Medway, which include the provision of health visitors, district nurses, speech and language therapists, and urgent care outside of normal operating hours. A spokesperson conveyed appreciation to patients for their understanding in light of appointment “delays and disruption over the past week.” A statement released by the health provider indicated: “Our focus has understandably been on continued safe and effective care, while NHS England oversaw a thorough and in-depth specialist investigation.” It further added: “We are now gradually and carefully reconnecting some of our priority patient systems, meaning that you should begin to see things return to normal.” Patients had previously received advice that booked appointments were still scheduled to proceed “unless you are told otherwise.” Additionally, individuals requiring blood tests have been instructed to continue presenting at NHS sites with a paper form, as they will not be attended to without one.