KAWARTHA LAKES-The Privacy commissioner has been notified after a large data breach at Five Counties Children’s Centre.
A privacy breach occurs when Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) has been contravened, for example, where personal health information is stolen, lost or if it is used or disclosed without authority according to the office of the Privacy Commissioner.
Officials at Five Counties spent the day calling the hundreds of families involved to notify them of the breach.
The breach involved personal information that was inadvertently included in an email attachment according to officials. The information released was on children booked for upcoming appointments but officials say it did not include the date of birth, phone numbers or addresses etc. and should not have a negative impact on those involved.
Officials say steps have been taken to ensure it doesn’t happen again and they have been assured by the person who inadvertently received the information that it has been permanently deleted.
Five Counties Children’s Centre helps children with physical, communication and developmental problems in Haliburton County and Kawartha Lakes. They work with children and adolescents, along with their families and the community, to strengthen their abilities and promote their participation as active members of the community.
