Medical records are “easily available” to staff at a prestigious hospital, where an employee allegedly tried to access info on Kate Middleton.
An investigation is underway into allegations of unauthorized access to health records during the Princess of Wales’ January stay at The London Clinic, as reported by The Mirror. The probe focuses on staff allegedly trying to access her private medical records, a serious breach of security protocols.
A report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) disclosed that although patient records were kept securely at the highly esteemed private hospital, medical professionals had convenient access to the forms.
After an unannounced June 2021 inspection, the CQC report praised the staff for their compassionate patient care. They also highlighted the respect for privacy and dignity shown.
CQC investigated after they “received information that gave us concerns about the safety and quality of services,” the outlet wrote. “Those concerns arose from several never events and serious incidents and numerous whistle-blowers around staffing and culture,” the report added.
The CEO of the London Clinic Addressed Security Breaches without Mentioning Kate Middleton
Meanwhile, Al Russell, the CEO of the London Clinic, emphasized the significance of patient confidentiality in a statement. However, there was no mention of a possible breach involving Kate Middleton‘s health records.
“We have systems in place to monitor the management of patient information,” Russell explained. He mentioned that if a breach occurs, the necessary investigative, regulatory, and disciplinary measures will be implemented.
“There is no place at our hospital for those who intentionally breach the trust of any of our patients or colleagues,“ Russell added.
The Mirror reports that according to its internal sources, up to three individuals could be linked to the data breach. These sources also indicate that the breach allegedly occurred after the Princess of Wales had left the hospital and media attention surged.
At present, it appears that certain staff members may have accessed the records illicitly for personal motives. This is in contrast to a feared external hack into the network.
Allegedly, there was no unauthorized access to King Charles’ medical records during the reported data breach. The 75-year-old monarch had a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate in January.
The London Clinic is renowned for its high-end medical facilities. It boasts state-of-the-art equipment for surgeries in urology, gynecology, thoracic surgery, orthopedics, and spinal procedures.