Investigation launched after medical records of boy (3) attacked by crocodile at Huntingdonshire zoo accessed by hospital staff
An investigation has been launched to determine whether hospital staff had a legitimate reason for accessing medical records of a boy attacked by a crocodile.
The investigation has been launched by Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) after the medical records of a three-year-old boy recovering at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge were accessed.
The boy was seriously injured inside of the crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Huntingdon on June 18. He was rushed to the hospital in a critical condition but as of Monday (June 18) his condition had improved to stable.
It is alleged that up to 40 members of staff may have accessed the medical records of the boy. The trust stated that it would take ‘robust disciplinary action’ if any if the records were accessed without legitimate clinical or operational reasons.
The trust has referred itself to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
A spokesperson for the Cambridge University Hospitals Trust said: “We have strict policies in place to safeguard patient data and we take any breach extremely seriously.
"We know the vast majority of our 13,000 staff understand the fundamental importance of maintaining patient confidentiality and uphold the highest professional standards.
"Where any member of staff is found to have accessed patient records without legitimate clinical or operational reasons we take robust disciplinary action, including dismissal.
"As part of our response to any breach, we notify both the ICO and apologise to patients and their families affected."
Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty said: “I am horrified by this appalling and unprofessional behaviour from NHS staff.
“The fact that the NHS Trust has referred itself to the ICO means they know some of the staff accessing the medical records were using their privileged access to patient data to snoop, abusing that privilege and patient trust alike.
“This doesn’t happen by accident and raises significant questions about the culture and leadership within Cambridge University Hospitals.”
Police arrested a 30-year-old man at the scene of the incident at the zoo but was released on bail until September 18 when officers deemed him not fit for interview.