Ten NHS employees have been removed from duty after the medical records of three-year-old Noah Woods were accessed after he disappeared. East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust launched an internal investigation after concerns were raised that staff attempted to access the toddler's private data.
The trust has apologised to Noah's family over the "extra anguish" and breach of trust caused at what was described as "an already devastating time."
Investigation timeline and findings
The trust began its investigation into possible breaches on September 17 due to the case being high profile. The information governance team audited the main electronic patient record system between 5:30pm on September 15, when his disappearance was confirmed, and the night of September 16, when police confirmed his death.
The trust is now understood to be examining possible breaches on other NHS systems, as Noah had received treatment there before, reports The Sun.
Trust response and disciplinary action
Dr Martin Mansfield, the trust's Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said any unauthorised patient data access was "completely unacceptable." He said: "We have apologised unreservedly to Noah’s family for the extra anguish this breach of trust has caused them at an already devastating time. As soon as we became aware of concerns that Noah’s medical records may have been viewed inappropriately, we launched an urgent internal investigation."
"Immediate steps were also taken to secure the records and prevent further access that was not for a legitimate, clinical reason. We have reported the matter to the Information Commissioner’s Office and we will continue to keep Noah’s family informed. We will take disciplinary action where needed."
Background and family plea
Noah, who was non-verbal and awaiting an autism assessment, disappeared after running away from a relative through a gap in a play-park fence in Brantham, Suffolk. He was found dead in a pond around 24 hours later.
Following his death, Noah's mother, Charlie Peck, issued a plea to other parents. She said: "If there is one thing we could ask of people, it is to hold their children a little tighter, cherish every moment, and never take those precious memories for granted."
The Mirror has contacted East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust for further comment.
