Ten employees have been removed from duty at an NHS Trust after tragic toddler Noah Woods' medical records were accessed following his disappearance. The East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust launched an internal investigation after concerns were raised that staff attempted to access the three-year-old's private data.
Noah's family have received an apology from the Trust over the "extra anguish" and breach of trust caused at what was described as "an already devastating time." The investigation into possible breaches began on September 17, due to the case being high profile.
Investigation findings
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 Mirror was told by the Trust that 10 people had been suspended from frontline duty.
A spokesperson said: "All of those colleagues have been removed from active duty or suspended whilst investigations are concluded." It is believed the investigation is also examining possible breaches on other NHS systems, as Noah had received treatment there before.
Trust response
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
Noah, who was non-verbal and had been awaiting an autism assessment, was found dead in a pond after he made his way through a gap in a play-park fence and ran away from a relative in Brantham, Suffolk. 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 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 tot was praised as a "happy, cheeky, playful" boy who loved to laugh.
