An NHS investigation has been launched after two members of staff accessed William Chapman's medical records "without legitimate reason". It comes the same day that the Yorkshire Wildlife Park reopened to visitors for the first time since the incident last week.
William Chapman died as a result of his injuries after entering an enclosure with an Amur tiger named Altai at the Doncaster zoo on Saturday, October 10. A post-mortem examination has since been carried out, and a provisional cause of death has been named as 1A multiple traumatic injuries and 1B animal interaction, with a fuller report expected later.
Inquest opens into death
The details were confirmed as an inquest into Mr Chapman's death opened at Doncaster Coroners' Court on Thursday (October 15). The coroner's officer told the court: "This case relates to the death of a 24-year-old man who passed away at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on the 10th of October."
"He attended Yorkshire Wildlife Park where at 13.31 hours he climbed two fences and entered the tiger enclosure. He approached the tiger and, following an interaction, suffered multiple traumatic injuries."
Park reopens after closure
The park remained closed until Friday, October 16, when it reopened to visitors. In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, a spokesperson for the zoo said that tiger Altai's "ongoing welfare at YWP remains a priority of our experienced animal care team".
It has now emerged that an investigation has been launched after two members of staff accessed, or attempted to access, medical information about the death of Mr Chapman.
Trust responds to breach
The trust said: "First and foremost, our thoughts are with William Chapman's family at this distressing time. The trust has identified an information governance concern in relation to this tragic incident at Yorkshire Wildlife Park and William's family has been informed of our ongoing investigation into this.
"We believe there may have been two instances involving two members of staff accessing or attempting to access incident/medical information following this incident without a legitimate reason to do so.
"We take the confidentiality and security of patient information extremely seriously and have robust systems in place to protect information, and this concern has been identified as a result of our proactive audits.
"The trust has commenced an investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding these potential breaches and the actions of these individuals. We have also reported this matter to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and we will continue to keep William's family informed as our investigation progresses."
