The Dr. R. Burnham and Associates Medical Clinic in Lacombe has informed Alberta Health Services that a portable hard drive recently stolen from this clinic contained backup copies of Alberta Health Services' Central Alberta Pain & Rehabilitation Institute (CAPRI) client records. The CAPRI program is co-located in the Dr. Burnham clinic.

Although there is no indication that data stored on this portable hard drive data has been accessed at this time, AHS is reminding CAPRI clients to be vigilant about their personal information following this theft.

Lacombe Police are investigating this break and enter. No hard copies of patient files were taken. This theft does not impact patient care.

The stolen hard drive - which was private property of the Dr. Burnham clinic, and not an AHS device - was password protected, but not encrypted. The password protection makes unauthorized access to information difficult to obtain; however, it is always advisable to remain alert to any unusual activity that may indicate personal information has been accessed or used. If you have concerns that your information has been accessed or used inappropriately, contact the Lacombe Police Service at 1-403-782-3279 and reference file number 2011-517249.

In addition to informing Alberta Health Services, Dr. Burnham's clinic has also informed the Office of the Information & Privacy Commissioner of this theft, and is working collaboratively to ensure all clinic patients are aware of this incident.

Current and former CAPRI program clients can contact the clinic with any questions or concerns, Mondays through Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., toll-free, at 1-877-323-7116.

Lacombe Police asks that anyone with information pertaining to this theft please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.7 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.