UK: North West Ambulance Service’s increased breach reports may reflect better reporting

According to Warrington Worldwide, newly released figures from Data Breach Claims UK show growing concerns about data security in ambulance services, with North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust recording almost 400 data breach incidents over the past three years. During the 2022/23 reporting period, the trust logged 75 data breaches, rising to 143 the following year, and most recently reporting a further increase with 172 breaches recorded over the past year.

Data confidentiality failures were the most frequent issue, accounting for 156 incidents, followed by unauthorised or incorrect disclosure of information in 78 cases. The article notes that NWAS explains some of the rise as a reflection of improved staff training in reporting breaches, while emphasising that privacy breaches can significantly impact patient trust alongside concerns about ransomware and other cyber risks.

These figures underscore ongoing data-security challenges for ambulance services handling highly sensitive information collected during emergency calls, at the scene, and during hospital handovers.