HSE accuses medical supplies company of holding it to ransom over patient data

The HSE claims that when it engaged with PMD Device Solutions to facilitate the transfer of patient data following the termination of contracts, the company said that to 'ensure the integrity' of the data it was seeking a payment of €145,000, excluding VAT, from the executive

In a separate action, PMD Device Solutions has sued the HSE, claiming it is owed over €1.2 million by the executive for its services. The HSE is contesting the action. File photo

A medical supplies company has been accused in the High Court of an “outrageous attempt” to hold the HSE to ransom by allegedly demanding over €140,000 from the executive to “maintain the integrity” of sensitive patient data in its possession and threatening to sell the data.

Mr Justice Brian Cregan on Thursday granted an interim injunction restraining PMD Device Solutions Ltd from selling, transferring or providing access to the patient data to any third party outside of the HSE, whether as part of a sale of assets or under any other arrangement. He also directed that the business preserve and maintain the data until further court orders.