A thorough investigation has been initiated following the unauthorized access of medical records belonging to a three-year-old boy who was thrown into a crocodile enclosure by a stranger last week. Approximately 40 hospital staff members at Cambridge University Hospitals were found to have viewed the boy’s records, prompting an internal inquiry to determine the legitimacy of their actions.
The young boy, a resident of Cambridgeshire, who was involved in the distressing incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst where he ended up in a zoo’s crocodile pit, is currently in stable condition after receiving treatment at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, which is under the management of CUH.
Following the occurrence, a 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident. Despite being bailed out, the individual was deemed unfit for questioning due to reported learning difficulties and was under the supervision of caregivers during the outing.
A spokesperson from CUH emphasized the institution’s stringent data protection policies and reiterated the significance of upholding patient confidentiality standards. Any staff found to have accessed patient records without valid clinical or operational reasons face severe disciplinary measures, including termination. The hospital promptly notifies the Information Commissioner’s Office and issues apologies to affected patients and families in case of any breaches.
According to Cambridgeshire Police, the boy’s condition has improved, and he is now stable in the hospital after sustaining serious injuries in the crocodile enclosure. The incident, which led to the child being attacked by one or more crocodiles, prompted an emergency response where zoo staff intervened to rescue the boy.
In a courageous act, Tracey Johnson, the zoo owner’s wife, reportedly entered the enclosure to save the child from further harm. Additionally, last week, a former healthcare worker faced a caution by the ICO for attempting to access and sell medical records related to the Princess of Wales.
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