Ten NHS employees have been suspended from duty after inappropriately accessing the medical records of three-year-old Noah Woods following his disappearance. East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust launched an internal investigation after concerns emerged that staff members had attempted to view the child's confidential information.
The Trust has apologised to Noah's family for the "additional distress" caused during what it described as "an already heartbreaking period." The investigation into potential breaches began on September 17, given the high-profile nature of the case.
Investigation Timeline and Findings
The information governance team examined the primary electronic patient record system between 5:30pm on September 15, when Noah's disappearance was confirmed, and through to the evening of September 16, when police announced his death. The trust informed The Mirror that 10 individuals had been stood down from frontline duties.
A spokesperson said: "All of those colleagues have been removed from active duty or suspended while investigations are concluded." The trust is also scrutinising potential breaches across other NHS systems, as Noah had previously received care there.
Trust Response and Apology
Dr Martin Mansfield, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, stated that 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 Tribute
Noah was non-verbal and had been awaiting an autism assessment. He was found dead in a pond some 24 hours after he went through a gap in a play-park fence and ran away from a relative in Brantham, Suffolk. The relative tried to catch up with him but he went out of sight shortly afterward.
Following Noah's death, his 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." Noah was described as a "happy, cheeky, playful" boy who loved to laugh.
