Edensor Park medical centre has computer systems “hacked”
The medical records of patients who visit MyHealth medical centre in Edensor Park could be in jeopardy after the general practice’s systems suffered a security breach.
Fairfield
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The medical records of patients who visit MyHealth medical centre in Edensor Park could be in jeopardy after the general practice’s systems suffered a security breach.
The medical centre, located at Edensor Park Plaza, is one of more than 70 across Australia’s east coast belonging to the MyHealth medical group.
It is unclear whether the Edensor Park medical centre has informed its patients of the data breach.
Fairfield Police confirmed the medical centre had been “hacked”. They were not aware of the security breach until they were notified by the Fairfield Advance.
The centre would not respond to questions regarding the scope of the breach, whether patient data was compromised and when it took place. Dr Duthika Adikari, principal of the MyHealth practice in Edensor Park, declined to comment.
Patient data would include sensitive information, such as residential addresses, dates of birth, identification particulars (such as driver’s license details) and data related to medical health.
Scribbled in handwriting on lined paper at the front of the medical centre is a sign. “Our system is currently unavailable,” it reads. “We appreciate your patience during this time.”
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner said the medical centre has 30 days from the breach to notify the government agency.
The notifiable data breaches scheme, legislated under the Privacy Act, is designed to encourage businesses to report breaches. A spokeswoman said there’s no penalties for missing the 30 day deadline, unless a business has such an egregious pattern of data handling that it prompts the government agency to initiate legal proceedings.
There’s another sign hanging in the medical centre. “Please inform staff of any changes to your personal details,” it reads, listing examples including “phone numbers, healthcare card, etc.”