Recent findings from Data Breach Claims UK, a specialist in data breach support, have highlighted significant concerns regarding data security within the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS). Over the past three years, NEAS has reported more than 300 data breaches, shedding light on the cybersecurity challenges faced by frontline healthcare providers.
Ambulance services daily manage vast amounts of confidential information, encompassing sensitive data collected through emergency calls, clinical notes documented on-site during incidents, and critical health records shared during patient transfers at hospitals.
The demanding, high-pressure environment in which ambulance services operate necessitates a heavy reliance on digital systems, thereby heightening their vulnerability to data protection risks. Statistics indicate a troubling trend, with NEAS documenting 83 breaches in 2022-2023, a figure that escalated to 107 in the subsequent year, and further increased to 132 breaches for the 2024-2025 period.
A visual representation of these incidents illustrates the rising trend in data breaches from 2022 to 2025. This graphic emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced security measures within emergency services, a concern echoed by cybersecurity experts.
Widespread apprehensions regarding cybersecurity in the emergency sector have gained national attention. Earlier this year, the NCC Group published a comprehensive report outlining the escalating threats to blue light services, noting a 15% surge in ransomware attacks within 2024 alone.
As NEAS and other ambulance services increasingly adopt advanced digital tools to enhance decision-making efficiency and improve patient care, the risk of cyber incidents and data handling errors continues to climb. This trend places added strain on services that are already operating under considerable pressure.
In response to these growing concerns, a NEAS representative emphasized, “We regard the security of patient and staff information with utmost seriousness. Each potential data breach is promptly reported through our internal protocols, allowing us to conduct thorough investigations and take corrective action as needed. Adhering to data protection legislation, we meticulously review all incidents, report to the Information Commissioner’s Office when applicable, and utilize findings to fortify our procedures and training. Safeguarding personal data remains a top priority for our organization.”
Through Freedom of Information requests, the data breach solicitor for JF Law, Tekena Bobmanuel, reported that human error accounted for 200 of the breaches identified, while 38 incidents pertained to violations of internal trust policy. “Ambulance services manage some of the most sensitive personal information, including medical histories and emergency care documents,” Bobmanuel stated. “When such data is mishandled or accessed unauthorized, the repercussions for affected individuals can be profoundly distressing.”
With the continuous expansion of digital patient records within the NHS, ensuring robust data protection remains a pivotal challenge for ambulance trusts across the country. Moving forward, implementing stricter safeguards against potential cyber threats will be essential for maintaining the integrity and safety of sensitive patient information.
