Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones says the recent security breach of patient information at the Provincial Health Laboratory is an issue of great concern.

"Once again we are hearing of inadequacies in the health care system and questions must be asked of government as to how something like this can even occur in the first place. Are effective security enhancing software and data masking being used to protect the privacy of the patients of this province? Jones says "Government must take immediate action to ensure that the protocols already in place are managed and enforced, and if necessary new policies put in place so this kind of incident can be avoided in the future.

She says there are many questions surrounding this security breach of patient information that government needs to answer for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Were the patients involved immediately notified after the security breach occurred, and if not, has this process now begun? Was the consultant given permission to access the information that was contained on this computer and how was this consultant able to remove it from the Provincial Health Laboratory? Did this consultant have access to laboratory passwords or keys? She says that sources indicate that the data on this computer included research and personal information that dates back 25 years on some 1400 patients. This is not only a breach of privacy but could also lead to identity theft if it were to get in the wrong hands.

"This is one of many problems that have occurred in the health care system in this province in recent months, and I am calling on government to conduct a full inquiry. This incident erodes confidence in our health care system, and I urge the minister and the Cabinet to act immediately."