Ten NHS staff have been removed from duty after the medical records of Noah Woods were accessed after he disappeared. The three-year-old died after going missing in Brantham, Suffolk, earlier this month.
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust launched an internal investigation when concerns were raised that members of staff attempted to access the boy's private data. The Trust has since apologised to Noah's family over the 'extra anguish' that was caused at what was said to be 'an already devastating time'.
Investigation into record access
An investigation began into the possible breaches on September 17, due to the high-profile nature of the case. It was found that the information governance team audited the main electronic patient record system between 5:30pm on September 15 when his disappearance was confirmed and until the night of September 16 when police confirmed his death.
The trust told The Mirror that ten people had been suspended from frontline duty. A spokesperson added: "All of those colleagues have been removed from active duty or suspended whilst investigations are concluded." It is now understood to be examining possible breaches on other NHS systems as Noah had received treatment there before.
Trust apologises to family
Dr Martin Mansfield, its 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."
Noah's death and family plea
Noah was non-verbal and had been awaiting an autism assessment. He was tragically found dead in a pond some 24 hours later after he made his way through a gap in a play-park fence and ran away from a relative. The relative attempted to catch up with Noah and called out to him but the tot went out of sight shortly afterward.
Following Noah's death, his mum, Charlie Peck, issued a heartbreaking plea to other parents after losing her son. 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 tot was praised as a "happy, cheeky, playful" boy who loved to laugh.
