NHS Trusts lose patients' data

"Of the hundreds and hundreds of trusts, nine have reported this issue and have taken steps, and were taking steps, to make sure the data is retrieved and continues to be secure."

However, campaign group NO2ID said it showed the danger of the government trying to centralise NHS data.

"If you care about your privacy then keep your medical records between you and your doctor, and out of the hands of the Department of Health, if you can," said spokesman Guy Herbert.

The latest revelation comes after the government said last week that one of its contractors had lost the detail of 3 million learner drivers.

That came after the government admitted it had lost computer discs containing the names and bank account details of 25 million people, exposing nearly half the population to possible fraud and identity theft.

"This is further evidence of the government's failure to protect the personal information which we provide," said Conservative health spokesman Andrew Lansley.

(Reporting by Michael Holden)