The health information of more than 8,000 people is lost and compromised.
The USB key containing the information of those who went to the H1N1 clinics was dropped and now the region is stuck dealing with the ramifications.
But couldn’t this whole ordeal have been avoided?
Why didn’t the region stick with their old system, which seemed to be effective?
In the past the region encrypted its files using a specific program but once a $300,000 provincial incentive was put on the table the choice was made to switch to a program that was anything but effective.
And what was the pay back – some funding for computer equipment? One can’t help but see the irony in this whole situation.
It turns out the program the region chose to use couldn’t handle or transfer the information and therefore the USB key was needed for storage purposes.
Not only were the files not encrypted, leaving information out in the open, but now the files are lost. Thousands are left not fully knowing where their health information is.
There is a chance it is in a snow pile somewhere and could potentially turn up, but there is also the chance that someone picked it up not knowing the valuable information that was on it.
However, those affected can find some solace when they get new health card numbers.
While the region has fully acknowledged its error, sending letters to each and every individual affected, it was an accident that didn’t need to happen.
Yes, the region is making sure those who have to get new health cards will go straight to the front of the line, but they shouldn’t have to go anywhere at all.
The region should have stuck with the old system before jumping the gun for some computer equipment.
What ever happened to the old adage, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it?