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Highly sensitive patient information exposed in Alder Hey Children’s Hospital data breach

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Legal Director Christine Sabino discusses the details of the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital data breach, including how the breach occurred, what data has been exposed and what actions any victims can take to claim compensation.

On November 28th 2024, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital released a statement confirming that it had been the target of a significant cyber-attack that compromised the personal data of patients, donors, and potentially staff members.

The incident came to light when the Russian ransomware group INC Ransom claimed to have obtained sensitive information from the hospital's systems and threatened to leak it on the dark web.

The cybercriminals claim to have accessed large-scale patient records, donor reports, and procurement data spanning from 2018 to 2024. This potentially affects hundreds of thousands of individuals whose personal and medical information may have been exposed.

The severity of this breach is particularly concerning given the sensitive nature of children's medical data and the potential long-term implications for affected individuals.

Alder Hey Children's Hospital promptly reported the incident to the National Crime Agency (NCA) and other relevant authorities. They claim to be working closely with partner organisations to verify the data that has been published and, in recent quotes from representatives, “understand the potential impact” and are taking “further steps in line with enforcement advice as well as our statutory duties relating to patient data.”

While Alder Hey Children's Hospital has not confirmed exactly what personal data was impacted, the cybercriminals claim to have obtained:

  • Patient records, including medical histories and treatment details
  • Donor reports, containing personal information of individuals who have supported the hospital
  • Procurement data from 2018 to 2024, potentially exposing sensitive financial information
  • Full names and addresses of patients and donors
  • Donation amounts, which could be used for targeted phishing attempts
  • Medical reports, including unique hospital numbers and dates of birth
  • Financial documents related to hospital operations and patient billing

The breadth of this data breach is particularly concerning as it encompasses not only current patients but also historical records dating back to 2018. This means that even individuals who are no longer under the care of Alder Hey may find their personal information compromised.

If personal information belonging to you or your family was exposed in the Alder Hey data breach, you may be in a position to make a claim for compensation. This is something our dedicated data breach claim specialists will be able to help you with.

At Hayes Connor, our experts are ready to support anyone who may have been affected by the Alder Hey data breach. When instructed, our team will be able to provide tailored guidance on whether you will be in a position to make a claim and what the general process is likely to involve.

To find out more about how you can make a claim for the Alder Hey data breach, please fill in our simple online enquiry form.

What to do if you are concerned about the Alder Hey Children's Hospital data breach

If you believe or have proof that your personal information has been exposed in the Alder Hey Children's Hospital data breach, you should have been properly informed by the hospital. Alder Hey has committed to contacting affected individuals directly once they have a clearer picture of the extent of the breach.

If Alder Hey Children's Hospital has not yet contacted you and you are concerned that your information has been exposed in the data breach, it is vital that you contact them as soon as possible.

In the meantime, it's crucial to take proactive steps to protect yourself and your family:

  1. Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity.
  2. Be wary of phishing attempts: Cybercriminals may use the stolen information to craft convincing phishing emails or messages. Be extra cautious of any unexpected communications, especially those asking for personal information or financial details.
  3. Consider credit monitoring services: These can alert you to any unusual activity on your credit file.
  4. Update your passwords: If you've used the same password for your Alder Hey account and other services, change them immediately.
  5. Educate your children: If your child's data has been compromised, explain the situation to them in an age-appropriate manner and teach them about online safety.

For more information, please read our guide on what to do when your data has been breached.

Can I get compensation for the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital data breach?

Any organisation that stores and processes your personal data is legally obligated to keep it secure. This includes taking appropriate measures to prevent any cyber-attacks from taking place which could result in your data falling into the wrong hands.

When an organisation fails in this duty, as appears to be the case with Alder Hey Children's Hospital, those affected may be entitled to compensation.

At Hayes Connor, we have one of the largest teams of data breach specialists in the country. We have a wealth of combined experience and expertise which we use to support individuals who have been affected by all types of data breaches, including the Alder Hey Children's Hospital data breach.

We understand the unique sensitivities involved in cases concerning children's medical data and approach each case with the utmost care and discretion. Should you choose to take action, we will be with you throughout the process.

How Hayes Connor can help you claim compensation for the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital data breach

Our team can work alongside you to establish a clear understanding of your personal circumstances and how the Alder Hey Children's Hospital data breach has affected you and your family. We recognise that the impact of such a breach can be far-reaching, potentially affecting your child's future privacy, your family's emotional wellbeing, and even your financial security if the stolen data is misused.

From our initial assessment, we can then establish whether you will be able to make a claim for Alder Hey Children's Hospital data breach compensation and explain how the claims process will work. We will guide you through each step, ensuring you understand your rights and the potential outcomes of your claim.

We understand that learning that your personal data, or your child's medical data, has been compromised in a data breach can be an incredibly stressful experience. As such, we will take the time to provide close personal support during this time, making the process for an Alder Hey Children's Hospital data breach claim as clear and straightforward as possible. Our team is committed to handling your case with sensitivity and respect, recognising the emotional toll such breaches can take on families.

You can find out more about our expertise and how we handle data breach claims here. We have a proven track record of successfully representing clients in high-profile data breach cases, and we're prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve.

You can find out more about our expertise and how we handle data breach claims here.

To start a claim for Alder Hey Children's Hospital data breach compensation, you can use our online claim form.

To speak to a member of our team about making an Alder Hey Children's Hospital data breach claim, please do not hesitate to give us a call on 03300415135.