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Forsyth Medical Center recently learned that two employees may have used non-medical patient information to obtain fraudulent credit and telephone accounts. We began working with the Winston-Salem Police Department and federal authorities to substantiate these accusations as soon as we learned of them. Both employees were immediately put on suspension and their employment subsequently terminated.

We understand that charges have been filed. The authorities have moved quickly throughout this process, taking the charges seriously, and acting with great skill and effectiveness.

We know of two former patients who had their identity and credit information misused. We have been in contact with them and offered our assistance as they take steps necessary to insure a clean credit rating. We regret any inconvenience and disruption that this criminal action has caused these patients.

There is nothing more sacred than a patients privacy and we make every effort to protect patient privacy at all times. The fact that this occurred here is, frankly, an outrage. Patient information is necessary to provide medical treatment, and the security of that information is our highest priority. We have strong policies in place and processes designed to deter unnecessary access. Any employee who willfully obtains or conveys confidential information with the knowledge that he or she does not have proper authority will be terminated. We do not tolerate this kind of behavior at Forsyth Medical Center.

We encourage everyone to request an updated credit report from one of the three major credit-reporting agencies every year. To help patients find contact information for the credit reporting agencies, we have established a telephone hotline with an instructional message on how to request a credit report. That number is 336-718-3099.