Date set for mediation meeting over data breach claims by Caithness man

A MEDIATION meeting to deal with claims by a Caithness man over alleged data breaches in his medical files is to take place next month.

NHS Highland has agreed to meet Peter Todd at New Craigs in Inverness on Monday, December 19 to try and resolve the issue.

Chief executive, Pam Dudek and clinical director for mental health, Dr Neil McNamara, will attend the meeting on behalf of the health authority and hope to find "a mutual understanding" over the claims.

Mr Todd, who lives in Thurso, has referred his complaints to the Information Commissioner and the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman but has asked for the meeting "to try and find a constructive way forward for both parties".

He is unhappy with the way his medical files have been dealt with and pointed out that he has received information about other patients in the documents.

Mr Todd has welcomed the mediation meeting but hopes "decisive action" is taken on what he describes as "the institutional arrogance of certain managers."

He claims the data breaches are "deplorable" and said: "Either they take action or I'll continue to involve the Scottish Public Service's Ombudsman, the Information Commissioner and elected representatives."

Mr Todd said he is "perplexed" why the two senior managers won't come to Caithness so they can experience the distance patients from the far north have to travel for appointments and treatment in Inverness.

Thurso and north-west Caithness Highland councillor, Matthew Reiss, has tried to assist Mr Todd resolve the issues and will continue to do what he can to help him.

Mr Todd said: "I'm looking forward to councillor Reiss questioning what action is taking place to find a permanent psychiatrist for Caithness because the revolving door we've had in recent years provides no stability to permanent clinicians and patients.

"Furthermore, Matthew will be seeking answers why a psychologist is no longer travelling to Caithness. If a patient is brave enough to argue for face to face therapy they are then forced to do a 200 mile around trip while in a vulnerable state of mind, which clearly poses safety issues."

Mr Reiss said mediation is "is usually a good way to try and solve long-term issues" and hopes there will be "a good outcome".

NHS Highland said the aim of the meeting will be "to come to a mutual understanding regarding any historic matters in a bid to move on with a constructive outlook."

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