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Security probe after entrance to Corbett Centre in Merkinch is left unlocked overnight


By Alasdair Fraser

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The Corbett Centre. Picture John Baikie.
The Corbett Centre. Picture John Baikie.

A review of security has been completed at a learning disabilities day care centre in Inverness after the building was left unlocked and unprotected overnight.

Staff arriving for work the following morning at the Corbett Centre in Merkinch discovered entry doors were unsecured, with no alarm system set.

We were contacted by a concerned NHS worker from another facility after they learned of the incident, which happened overnight on April 5 into 6.

The worker felt not enough had been done to probe the incident, with confidential patient files as well as computer, telephone and other equipment potentially put at risk of theft or vandalism.

However, NHS Highland said there was no evidence anyone had entered the building, which is jointly run by Highland Council’s social work department, stressing there had since been a review of security measures to prevent a repeat.

The NHS worker said: “The Corbett Centre serves adult patients with learning difficulties and also houses offices used by community social workers and nurses.

“There are patients’ confidential files, paperwork on treatments and financial information in the building so there was the potential for a very serious breach of data protection.

“There is also a lot of IT equipment that was left at risk of being stolen.

“I’m concerned that the incident has just been swept under the carpet. I think patients and their families should know.”

A spokeswoman for NHS Highland said: “We can confirm that the building was left unlocked overnight for one night.

“The building was checked the next day and there is no evidence that anyone entered the building during this time.

“The incident was reported to the manager who reviewed the measures we have in place to avoid this happening again.

“Any personal information remained secure as all internal doors are key coded with only staff having access to these codes.

“Staff have also been reminded to check that someone is available to lock up at the end of the day.”


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