A Fraser Health spokesperson says an investigation into the discovery of private medical records on a local street concluded that Chilliwack General Hospital's privacy policies are adequate and that the breach was caused by a single employee.

In late September, a Garrison Crossing resident found three pieces of paper from CGH on Tamihi Way soon after garbage pickup.

The papers comprised an entire "Team Report" on a 29-bed section of CGH. Included in the report were the names, ages, admission dates, attending physician and diagnoses for 27 different patients, along with hand-scrawled notes.

The papers turned out to be "shift handoff notes" that should not have left the hospital, according to Fraser Health.

The resident turned them in to the Chilliwack Times. The Times, in turn, forwarded the papers to Fraser Health, which promised a full investigation.

That investigation was completed soon after Fraser Health was informed of the privacy breach, according to Angela Wilson, a public affairs consultant with Fraser Health.

"The investigation concluded that Chilliwack General Hospital privacy policies and procedures are appropriate and this incident was a result of employee error," Wilson told the Times. "That employee was followed up with appropriately."

Wilson said she could not say whether the employee was disciplined.

"Fraser Health sent messages to all employees at Chilliwack General Hospital and across Fraser Health as well, reminding all of our staff of our privacy procedures and policies when dealing with confidential information."

tolsen@chilliwacktimes.com