There is a widespread belief that health information, by its nature, is always treated with exceptional care. The reality is often far removed from the idea that patient information is consistently stored securely, transferred carefully and governed tightly. Patient information photocopied, bundled and transported in ways that would shock people if they understood how routinely this still occurs. Health data systems take years to design, implement and embed, and decades to deliver their full value. Photo / Jason DordayWhat patients can doPatients should not be expected to compensate for system-level weaknesses in how health information is managed.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 25, 2026 12:31 UTC