Staff at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust have been removed from active duty or suspended amid an investigation into possible inappropriate access to three-year-old Noah Woods’ medical records
A total of 10 NHS workers have been suspended from duty after Noah Woods’ medical records were inappropriately accessed following his disappearance.
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust launched an internal probe when concerns emerged that staff members had attempted to view the three-year-old’s confidential information. The Trust has since issued an apology to Noah’s family for the “additional distress” caused during what was described as “an already heartbreaking period”.
An investigation commenced into the potential breaches on September 17, given the high-profile nature of the case. It emerged that the information governance team examined the primary electronic patient record system between 5:30pm on September 15 when his 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 added: “All of those colleagues have been removed from active duty or suspended while investigations are concluded.”
It is now believed to be scrutinising potential breaches across other NHS systems as Noah had previously received care there, reports the Manchester Evening News. Dr Martin Mansfield, its Deputy Chief Medical Officer, stated any unauthorised patient data access was “completely unacceptable.
“We have apologised unreservedly to Noah’s family for the extra anguish this breach of trust has caused them at an already devastating time,” he said. “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 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 in Brantham, Suffolk. The relative attempted to catch up with Noah and called out to him but the boy 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.”
Noah was praised as a “happy, cheeky, playful” boy who loved to laugh.
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