Media Statement Unauthorised Access To Patient Records

Dr Martin Mansfield is Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Caldicott Guardian – the senior person responsible for health and care information – at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT).

He said: “Any unauthorised access of patient data is completely unacceptable. We understand the significant distress it can cause patients and their families. It also undermines trust in our services. Safeguarding that trust is central to the care we provide.

“We have apologised unreservedly to Noah Woods’ 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 (ICO), and we will continue to keep Noah’s family informed as our investigation progresses.

“We take any patient data breach seriously. We investigate thoroughly, and we will take disciplinary action where needed in response to our findings, in line with the Trust’s policies and procedures.”