Patient records accessed in NHS Lothian data breach

The breach is believed to have been spotted during an NHS Lothian audit

The medical records of some NHS Lothian patients have been accessed in a data breach.

The breach is believed to have been spotted during a routine audit last month.

The number of patients affected has not been confirmed by the health board.

It said the "appropriate action" had been taken.

Dr Tracey Gillies, medical director at NHS Lothian, said: "Routine monitoring suggested that patient records had been accessed inappropriately and an immediate investigation was launched.

"Appropriate action has been taken. Patients were contacted to make them aware and the incident was reported to Police Scotland and the Information Commissioner's Office.

"We do not comment on individual members of staff."

Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.