In-House Mishap Exposes Data of 4,000 Patients

Protected health information had been accidentally uploaded and exposed

By Dan Hounsell


The challenges facing healthcare IT managers show no signs of slowing down. While many of the problems stem from unrelenting cyber attacks from outside parties, managers also must deal with issues created by improper in-house practices.

Consider Southbridge, Mass.-based Harrington Healthcare System, which recently began notifying more than 4,000 patients that their protected health information had been accidentally uploaded and exposed, according to Becker’s Hospital Review.

In an April 9 notice on its website, Harrington Healthcare said a mailing list containing patients' names, ages, addresses, dates of birth and physician names was accidentally uploaded to a network file location on its information system that was not designed to store secure patient information and could have been accessed by parties outside of the health system.



April 23, 2021


Topic Area: Information Technology


Recent Posts

Regulations Take the Lead in Healthcare Restroom Design

Infection-control guidance and water management standards drive earlier planning, smarter fixtures and more resilient restroom environments.


AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital Opens Expanded Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit

Construction began in July 2025 and included 12 new inpatient rehabilitation beds, bringing the unit’s total to 29.


HSHS and Lifepoint Rehabilitation Partner on New Inpatient Rehab Hospital in Green Bay

The 40-bed hospital will be named the Hospital Sisters Health System | Rehabilitation Hospital.


Turning Facility Data Into ROI: Where Healthcare Leaders Should Start

Better data, smarter tools and small facility upgrades can drive measurable returns, guide ambulatory strategy and improve patient experience.


Sutter Health Breaks Ground on Advanced Cancer Center and Care Complex

The new center, located on Sutter’s Memorial Medical Center campus, will feature four stories and 165,000 square feet of modernized, patient-centered space.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.