Patrick Hurley MP welcomes new Public Space Protection Orders for Southport Town Centre

North West Ambulance Service sees sharp rise in data breach incidents

NEWLY released figures have highlighted growing concerns about data security in Ambulance Services, as emergency responders are increasingly exposed to cyber risks and information-handling failures.

Data obtained by Data Breach Claims UK shows that North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust has recorded almost:- 400 data breach incidents over the past:- 3 years, underlining the scale of the challenge facing the service.

Ambulance trusts routinely manage highly sensitive personal information, including:- details shared during emergency calls, medical assessments carried out at the scene, and patient data transferred during Hospital handovers. 

The fast paced nature of emergency care, combined with heavy reliance on digital systems, places Ambulance Services at heightened risk of data protection failures.

During the 2022/23 reporting period, the North West Ambulance Service logged:- 75 data breaches. This figure rose sharply to:- 143 incidents the following year. 

Most recently, the trust has reported a further increase, with:- 172 breaches recorded over the past year, indicating that data security issues remain an ongoing concern.

The findings reflect wider national warnings about cyber risks facing emergency services. Earlier this year, cybersecurity firm NCC Group published research outlining the growing threat landscape, including a:- 15% rise in ransomware attacks during 2024, which can severely disrupt critical systems relied upon by blue light services.

As Ambulance Services continue to expand their use of digital technology to improve response times and patient outcomes, the volume of data processed has increased, bringing additional exposure to cyber incidents and operational errors.

Data Breach Solicitor for JF Law, Tekena Bobmanuel said:- "Ambulance Services handle some of the most sensitive personal data that exists, including:- medical records, emergency care notes and contact details for patients and their families. When that information is mishandled, lost, or accessed without authorisation, the consequences for those affected can be extremely distressing."

Further analysis of Freedom of Information responses revealed the most common categories of data breaches within the North West Ambulance Service. 

Data confidentiality failures were the most frequent issue, accounting for:- 156 incidents, followed by unauthorised or incorrect disclosure of information, which made up a further:- 78 cases.

Data breaches involving:- Ambulance Services can affect patients, staff, and third parties, such as relatives or carers. While cyberattacks often receive the most attention, many incidents arise from everyday problems, including IT system errors, human mistakes and lost or stolen devices containing personal data.

With digital patient records continuing to expand across the NHS, safeguarding personal information remains a significant challenge for ambulance trusts nationwide. 

Failure to protect sensitive data not only risks harming individuals, but also erodes public confidence and places additional financial strain on already pressured health services.

Tekena Bobmanuel added:- “Many people wrongly assume that a data breach is something they simply have to accept, particularly when it involves a public service.  In reality, UK data protection law gives individuals the right to seek compensation if a failure to protect their personal data has caused emotional harm, anxiety or financial loss. Claiming compensation is about accountability and ensuring that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect highly sensitive information. Where mistakes occur, affected individuals should be made aware of their rights and supported in taking action if they have suffered as a result.”

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