Around 40 staff at Cambridge University Hospitals accessed the medical records of a three-year-old boy who was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst on 18 June. The child was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital and is in a stable condition. CUH has self-referred the data-access incident to the Information Commissioner’s Office and warned staff who accessed records improperly face disciplinary action. A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and later bailed after being deemed unfit for interview.
Around 40 Hospital Staff Viewed Child’s Records After Alleged Crocodile Attack — CUH Refers Breach to ICO
The crocodile enclosure of Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo, where a child was allegedly thrown among the animals - Dorota "Dee" Trajdos
Dozens of staff at Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) accessed the medical records of a three-year-old boy who was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo on 18 June.
Incident and hospital treatment
Emergency services were called to the zoo at 1:24pm on 18 June after reports that the child had suffered serious injuries. The boy, from Cambridgeshire, was pulled from the enclosure by zoo staff and was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where he is being treated and is reported to be in a stable condition.
Arrest and investigation
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident and was later released on bail after being assessed as not being fit for interview. Reports say the suspect had been on the trip with carers and may have learning difficulties.
Data-access breach at CUH
CUH opened an internal investigation after around 40 members of staff were found to have accessed the child’s medical records. The trust has self-referred the matter to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
CUH statement: "We have strict policies in place to safeguard patient data and we take any breach extremely seriously. The vast majority of our 13,000 staff understand the fundamental importance of maintaining patient confidentiality and uphold the highest professional standards. Where any member of staff is found to have accessed patient records without legitimate clinical or operational reasons we take robust disciplinary action, including dismissal. As part of our response to any breach, we notify both the ICO and apologise to patients and their families affected."
Context
Zoo staff, including Tracey Johnson — the wife of the zoo owner — reportedly entered the enclosure to help rescue the child. The case has also been noted alongside a recent ICO caution issued to a former healthcare worker who attempted to obtain and sell the medical records of the Princess of Wales.
CUH has indicated that any staff found to have viewed records without appropriate reason will face disciplinary action. The ICO will now consider whether further regulatory or enforcement action is needed.
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