MORE than 100 patients in the borough have been told their confidential details were “inappropriately” accessed and could have been passed on to a personal injury claim service.

Patient records and contact details of 189 people who used NHS Walk-in-Centres in Bury and Prestwich during a four-month period last year are affected.

Health bosses have sent a letter apologising for the alleged security breach, which was investigated by the Information Commissioners Office.

John Boyington, NHS Bury managing director, said: “We take our responsibilities in respecting the security and confidentiality of information very seriously and we will always investigate and take appropriate action.

“I would like to apologise to those patients whose records have been inappropriately accessed for any distress this incident may have caused.”

Letters were sent to patients on May 25.

One letter stated: “Following two patient complaints received by NHS Bury, an immediate investigation was undertaken.

“The investigation strongly suggested patient records created when you attended the walk-in services were inappropriately accessed and your contact details may have been passed to a unauthorised third party for the purpose of offering you a personal injury claim service.

“Please be assured it was not your full patient record that was inappropriately accessed.

“Our evidence suggests it was your contact details with the centre that day.”

Health bosses said they did not disclose the breach at the time to “avoid potentially prejudicing the investigation”.

The Information Commissioners Office investigation has culminated in legal proceedings against the alleged recipient of the information.

One patient who received a letter said: “I am a annoyed I was not told at the time my details had been wrongly accessed.

“I don’t know how that could have prejudiced the investigation.

“It is worrying that information like this can be passed on so easily, and difficult to know what could prevent it from happening in the future.”

Patients can discuss their worries in confidence with the NHS Bury Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) by ringing 0800 3283166.

l A man was due to appear before Bury Magistrates yesterday in connection with the incident.