Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) has referred itself to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and is investigating whether all the workers had a legitimate reason for looking at his information
An inquiry has been launched after the medical records of a three-year-old boy injured in a crocodile pit were accessed by approximately 40 hospital staff members.
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) has referred itself to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and is examining whether all the members of staff had a valid reason for viewing his personal information.
The boy, who is from Cambridgeshire, ended up in a zoo’s crocodile enclosure and is currently in a stable condition. He was rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, which is managed by CUH, last Thursday following the incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and subsequently bailed after he was “assessed as not being fit for interview”. The suspect is reported to have learning difficulties and had been visiting the attraction with carers at the time.
A CUH spokesperson 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.”
Cambridgeshire Police confirmed on Monday that the boy was “no longer critical” and was “in a stable condition in hospital”. It is believed he was attacked by at least one crocodile after allegedly being thrown into the enclosure.
Officers were alerted to the zoo at 1.24pm on Thursday (June 18) by the ambulance service following reports that a three-year-old boy had sustained serious injuries.
Cambridgeshire Police stated the boy “sustained serious injuries while in the enclosure” and “was pulled out by staff from the zoo”. Tracey Johnson, wife of the zoo owner, is reported to have jumped into the enclosure to rescue the child.
Last week, a former healthcare worker received a caution from the ICO for attempting to obtain and sell the medical records of the Princess of Wales.

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