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Source: Thinkstock
Healthcare New Zealand is launching an investigation after
health documents were found lying on a Christchurch street.
The documents, along with training material and other personal
items, were stolen from an employee's private car when it was
broken into, Healthcare NZ said.
The health provider says an investigation is being held to make sure document security policies were followed.
"We do not believe that this information has been compromised but nonetheless, it is critical that clients whose information was included in the stolen materials be informed of the incident," Healthcare NZ said.
Healthcare NZ said it has contacted almost all of the clients whose information was in the stolen documents.
It said police have also been informed about the theft.
"We are deeply concerned that has happened.
"Maintaining privacy of client information is critically important to us, and we are working urgently now to understand whether our document security policies were followed, and what actions are needed to prevent similar situations happening again in the future."
Healthcare NZ is the country's largest provider of community-based health and disability support.
The organisation provides support to more than 17,000 people, nationwide and to work alongside ACC, the Ministry of Health and New Zealand's District Health Boards.
Nearly 7000 ACC clients had their privacy breached in August, including nearly 250 claimants from ACC's sensitive claims unit, which handles delicate cases like sexual abuse, when an ACC staff member accidentally emailed their details to former National Party figure Bronwyn Pullar.