By Brittney Matejka

Redcliff woman quits job at AHS after identity theft by co-worker.

Dec 18, 2017 | 4:11 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB. – A Redcliff woman has quit her job with Alberta Health Services (AHS) after a co-worker stole her identity to purchase prescription drugs.

Rachel Brushett previously worked in the Provincial Building in Medicine Hat for almost 12 years. She resigned on November 17th after she said she was told by AHS she would have to continue to work in the same building as the woman convicted of stealing her identity.

“They were willing to put me back in the same spot,” she said. “There was a no contact, a court ordered no-contact order in place.”

Leaving her job at AHS was not the outcome Brushett wanted, but she said she felt it was the only way to get away from the woman who stole her identity.

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

Apr 18, 2024

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

Medicine Hat College holding event for missing and murdered Indigenous women awareness day

Apr 16, 2024

“I want to go back to (my) job,” she explained. “Where I know I am safe, if she’s not there.”

CHAT News reached out to Alberta Health Services to inquire if the woman convicted of identity theft is still employed, they did not answer our question.

Brushett said when she resigned in November the convicted offender was still employed by AHS, and had access to people’s private information.

“You have to have a criminal record check to get the job,” she said. “But getting the criminal record on the job doesn’t seem to matter very much.”

This concerns Brushett, as she has been dealing with the consequences of identity theft and fears other Albertans’ information could be at risk.

“We had access to everyone’s information,” she explained. “When you register a client, you have their date of birth, health care number, address, name.”

Brushett said having her identity stolen has changed her life forever.

“I have a lot of fears now,” she said. “I have a lot of mistrust, I question everything.”

A Netcare report from AHS can give those in possession of a valid Alberta Health Care number a detailed list of prescriptions prescribed under a specific name. Brushett suggests people keep an eye on their information and investigate if they see anything suspicious.