Memorial Hospital reports missing papers with patient names

Thousands of laboratory reports with patient names are missing, according to Memorial Hospital.

Brian Newsome with Memorial Hospital said the missing papers contained patient names and numbers that are part of an internal coding system.

He said the numbers would not mean anything to anybody outside of hospital staff.

According to Newsome, sensitive data was not on the missing reports including social security numbers, date of birth or payment information.

Newsome said there is a possibility that the papers may still be in the hospital, but officials thought it was important to notify patients of the possible breach.

Transparency is paramount and he said hospital workers wanted to let patients know exactly what was going on.

The papers are from laboratory work that was done between May 1 and Aug. 31.

Affected patients have been notified with letters.

Those with questions or concerns can call the information that has been set up at 1-866-283-9930.