02/07/2003
Five arrested in intelligence-gathering operation
Five people have been arrested after police uncovered a dissident republican intelligence-gathering operation.
It is believed that members of the Real IRA were using medical records at the Royal Victoria Hospital to target members of the recently established district policing partnerships, politicians and police officers.
Chief constable Hugh Orde revealed details of the operation during today's meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
He said: "This is an ongoing investigation, in the last 24 hours five people have been arrested in a security related operation.
"It is a substantial operation and it has been very professionally executed and carried out.
"We are looking at material that has been recovered to make sure that if people are being targeted, they are being properly warned so we can look after them and their safety."
It is believed that one staff member at the Royal Victoria Hospital is being questioned by police.
In a statement the hospital said: "We are outraged that a records system designed to help clinical staff treat our patients may have been violated.
"We are deeply concerned for the patients at the centre of this investigation and are sorry for the distress this is causing them and their families.
"Any breach of patient confidentiality will be viewed by us as a gross misconduct and grounds for summary dismissal."
The hospital has set up a helpline for concerned patients which is available on 028 9063 5858 between 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday.
(MB)
It is believed that members of the Real IRA were using medical records at the Royal Victoria Hospital to target members of the recently established district policing partnerships, politicians and police officers.
Chief constable Hugh Orde revealed details of the operation during today's meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
He said: "This is an ongoing investigation, in the last 24 hours five people have been arrested in a security related operation.
"It is a substantial operation and it has been very professionally executed and carried out.
"We are looking at material that has been recovered to make sure that if people are being targeted, they are being properly warned so we can look after them and their safety."
It is believed that one staff member at the Royal Victoria Hospital is being questioned by police.
In a statement the hospital said: "We are outraged that a records system designed to help clinical staff treat our patients may have been violated.
"We are deeply concerned for the patients at the centre of this investigation and are sorry for the distress this is causing them and their families.
"Any breach of patient confidentiality will be viewed by us as a gross misconduct and grounds for summary dismissal."
The hospital has set up a helpline for concerned patients which is available on 028 9063 5858 between 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday.
(MB)
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