The hospital where the Princess of Wales was treated has said there’s no place for staff who breach trust after it emerged an investigation is under way into allegations that a member of staff may have tried to access private health records during her stay.
The Daily Mirror reported that inquiries are under way at the London Clinic following claims that someone not involved in the medical care of the Princess attempted to look at her medical notes during her two week stay there for major abdominal surgery.
Following the revelations, the CEO of the London Clinic, Al Russell, said ”There is no place at our hospital for those who intentionally breach the trust of any of our patients or colleagues.”
The full statement said ”
Everyone at The London Clinic is acutely aware of our individual, professional, ethical and legal duties with regards to patient confidentiality.
“We take enormous pride in the outstanding care and discretion we aim to deliver for all our patients that put their trust in us every day. We have systems in place to monitor management of patient information and, in the case of any breach, all appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary steps will be taken.
“There is no place at our hospital for those who intentionally breach the trust of any of our patients or colleagues.”
Health minister, Maria Caulfield, had earlier confirmed that police had been asked to look at the allegations of a breach.
Ms Caulfield added that there would be serious implications for anyone found to have accessed records without permision.
The Princess of Wales underwent surgery at the London Clinic in mid January and, as expected, spent two weeks as an inpatient before being well enough to be discharged to continue her recuperation at home. Kensington Palace was clear from the start of her treatment that the Princess wouldn’t return to public duties until after Easter at the earliest.
Following the confirmation that an investigation was under way, Kensington Palace said it was a matter for the London Clinic.