Gosport shop worker given someone else's Covid-19 test results - and their NHS number - in GDPR breach

Lynn McLaughlin, from Gosport went to the new rapid testing centre in Thorngate Halls, Bury Road, on February 24.

The 57-year-old, who has worked at The News Box in Brockhurst Road for seven years, got an email within an hour of being tested.

But instead of getting her results, she received someone else's – along with their address, date of birth and National Health Service number.

Lynn and her husband Ray, also 57, are worried not only about this GDPR breach, but about where her information has gone.

‘The whole thing has been really frustrating,’ said Lynn.

‘I haven’t got a clue about my own results, but was instead given somebody else’s.

‘Honestly I just want peace of mind for going into work, but the council has no idea where my results have gone.’

After receiving someone else’s results, Lynn and Ray began chasing Gosport Borough Council and Hampshire County Council for answers.

Lynn was initially told that she may have used an auto-fill option when filling in her details at Thorngate Hall, but this suggestion has since been disproven.

The cause of this issue has eluded those working at the testing centre – much to Lynn’s concern.

She said: ‘I worry that this sort of thing could happen to someone else.

‘They could be given somebody else’s personal details, or not get their results back when they need to be self-isolating.’

Vaccinations at Thorngate Halls are open to all key workers who are unable to work from home or are not covered by a workplace testing scheme.

Lateral flow tests can be booked 24 hours in advance and appointments will last around 30 minutes.

A spokeswoman for Hampshire County Council said: ‘We can confirm that Hampshire County Council has been notified of an incident relating to the reporting of the Covid-19 test result for a single individual attending the Gosport local community testing site.

‘We are currently investigating the matter and will swiftly ensure any follow up action is taken as required.

‘In the meantime, the individuals concerned are being contacted.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news online - as well as fewer adverts, access to our digital edition and mobile app.

Our trial offer starts at just £2 a month for the first two months.