should I report this?

[EmmaGrundyForPM]

Not sure if this should really be in AIBU but just need some advice.

I went to the GP today for a blood test with the HCA. At one point she left the room to consult with the duty GP about one of the symptoms I was having. She was gone about 5-6 minutes.

She left the computer on, unlocked and with her staff card in it. I could easily have looked up another patient. Obviously I didn't, but it is a potential security breach. I feel like I should alert the surgery, just so they can remind staff to lock the machine if leaving it unattended.

What would other people do in this scenario?

So what would you have said, OP, when she came back in the room and there you were.....if that had happened, probably you would have got a horrified and strong reprimand despite any protestations on your part that you were just testing the system. No time to make notes, study details, etc etc. Just your reputation in shreads.
FGS, stop inventing and making trouble for people.

P.S. encouraged, wrongly I now think, by a neighbour to report to the Practice Manager a GP who had been sharply dismissive to me about a requested blood test, he apologised, she never forgot and every request afterwards that passed her desk regarding me was dismissed and I'm sure I didn't imagine the reception staff recognising me all too quickly on the phone or on person! MYOB for me ever after!

Ffs is this what people do nowadays wander around looking for things to report? Do whatever but maybe just focus on what you are there for. Most people do not give too shirts about trying to access anyone else's health records ffs

Huh no ! The world is unpleasant enough without getting someone in trouble .

I don't understand what you mean? What do you think I'm inventing? Of course I didn't look, as I said in my OP there's no way I'd do that, bit other people aren't so scrupulous.

I meant inventing trouble, if that wasn't clear. I was inviting you to imagine the scenario, I don't believe anyone would have had time to see anything of use at a random moment where it wasn't clear what was on the screen or when the HCA would return so why would they do it? I think anyone stupid enough would find it reflected more badly on them than the HCA.
I also think life in GP surgeries is difficult enough for the staff without people making trouble for them. Just my opinion, you did ask, in my opinion reporting the HCA is about the same level as spying through net curtains on the neighbours!

No I wouldn’t report because I don’t gleefully seize chances to get overworked and underpaid people in trouble

Tough one, I wouldn't look but that's not to say others wouldn't so there shouldn't be the opportunity there to do so in the first place. I wouldn't want to cause hassle but equally I wouldn't want that to be normal practice

Thank you, this is exactly how I feel.

Well it would be much less trouble when she loses her job and the practice is fined for an actual data breach because she's routinely failing to follow security rules.

I needed my National Insurance number so I could get a taxi home from A&E, so a nurse had me log into my UC account on a computer in a side room to see if it was there (it wasn't). I logged out and shut the browser. She nipped out the room, and the screen was displaying the names, ages and reasons for admission of all the patients in A&E.

I would report it to protect her and patients from the consequences of a data breach next time she does something so profoundly stupid.

It's not about being "nasty" ffs. I think it's nasty to turn a blind eye to harmful practices and be complicit in the harm they cause.

You're being very naive.

Why did you need your NIN to get a taxi?

Why didn't you say anything at the time? Do you know how the system works? For the whole 2 seconds she was left the room to clarify something that was beneficial to you??

If you are low income and need a cab to get home, providing your NI number means the hospital are not charged.

Why did you need your NIN to get a taxi?

Why does it matter why?

I would report it to protect her and patients from the consequences of a data breach next time she does something so profoundly stupid.

Excellent. Good for you.

I can't imagine why nurses and health assistants are leaving the NHS in droves. Obviously the only way forward is self flaggilation and public flogging sessions in the carpark.

You both have far too much time on your hands.

You sound three sheets mate @Fordian

Would agree with your first sentence though - just leave it OP.

Agree with others, you could have mentioned it to the person if you were bothered. The fact you didn’t and are asking about reporting it comes across like trying to cause trouble. A simple word could have got your point across if you were keen to be the good citizen.

i had no idea. does UC pay?

I agree with @Beeboppy. People are human beings who are sometimes so busy that they don't have time to think.
Reporting it would only get her hauled over the coals, leaving her feeling like shit (and likely open to disciplinary measures) when she was trying to do a good job.
There have been times in the past when I've left my computer logged on, because there was no-one else around. I don't do it these days because I've realised it's not a good thing to do, and not worth the trouble it could cause.

Imagine if your complaint is enough to tip that HCA over the edge, when she was just trying to get on and do her job. If you feel compelled to act, ring the surgery and just mention that you had an appointment and were left alone in a room where you could have accessed the computer. Give no names, yours included, and it’s likely all staff will just be reminded not to. But please be mindful about creating a witch hunt and causing an overworked person more stress. And I’m also a social worker…..

I have no idea. Was just told that it is easier all round to provide NI number, otherwise the taxi firm bills the hospital. I don't know how these things work.

Just to add, I did mention to the nurse that I could see all the info on the screen (and I did make an effort to no look despite my curiosity). No need to report her. These things happen.

@Fordian means that if you start kicking up a fuss about something minor they're going to start being really stringent on security measures so won't be allowed to leave you alone in the room at all.
It's not hard to understand.

OP I wouldn't do anything.

I would report, only because I wouldn't want anyone looking up mine or my family's details.

It's basic information governance which she will have been trained on.