Privacy watchdog snarls at NHS data losses

[cojak]

isn't computing supposed to make life easier and not harder?

There is always a trade-off between ease of use, cost and security (how many of you out there have the same password to all of your bank accounts?).

The best compromise/design is to have a 'password' that is with you all the time and you don't have to remember i.e. biometrics (fingerprints or iris scans).

But all of that is too expensive/advanced for your average NHS Trust.

[the_duderama]

They were sent as encrypted sound files from the consultant's dictaphones. They had a machine where they just plugged them in and the notes were sent automatically.

Ahh ok that makes more sense, I've seen a similair system used in law firms, although they would just be sent to a secretary in the same office.

[TheRefactornator]

The NHS spine services to enable roll out of electronic transfer of patient records via 3rd party clinical software houses is nearing go live..and other half baked stuff like electronic prescription service which still requires paper FP10s!! not really electronic that is it?? and choose and book, which was previously rolled out and both NHS / patient opinion is that it just doesn't work.

[OwlHoot]

Healthcare staff really don't understand the concept of Data Protection. They are past masters at making life as easy as possible regarding computing...

Must admit in their position I'd be exactly the same. The only solution is "passive" security, such as fingerprint readers and suchlike.