NHS staff investigated after boy, 3, 'thrown into crocodile enclosure' by stranger
Around 40 members of NHS staff are currently under investigation, after it was found that they accessed the medical records of a three-year-old boy allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure.
Last week (18 June), it was reported that a young boy fell into a crocodile enclosure at Johnson's Zoo in Old Hurst, Cambridgeshire. It has been alleged that the toddler was thrown off the 15ft viewing platform and into the enclosure, subsequently suffering serious injuries.
A 30-year-old man, who was not known to the boy, was arrested and charged with attempted murder but was later bailed after it was determined that he was not fit for interview. He is understood to have learning difficulties and had been on a trip with carers.
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However, it has since been revealed that Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH), which runs the hospital where the boy was treated, has referred itself to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) after 40 members of staff accessed the youngster's medical files.
The investigation is to determine whether or not the 40 members of staff who accessed the files had a legitimate reason for looking at his information, and will take action against those who didn't.
"We have strict policies in place to safeguard patient data and we take any breach extremely seriously," a CUH spokesperson said of the incident.
"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."
The boy's family is said to have been informed of the investigation, while restrictions have since been placed on the files to make them harder to access.
Meanwhile, an update has since been issued on the boy's condition, with police confirming that he is no longer in a critical condition and is now stable.
"The boy is no longer critical and is in a stable condition in hospital," read a brief update on the toddler's condition.
It was previously reported that he had suffered a broken arm and pelvis after landing on the concrete and rolling into the water.
The boy was rescued thanks to the quick-thinking and heroic actions of the zoo's co-owner, Tracey Johnson, who leapt into action and rescued the boy from the enclosure.
Praising Johnson's actions as 'remarkable bravery' Chris Newman, director of the National Centre For Reptile Welfare, told the BBC: "She'd always put her own life at risk to save someone else. She's an extraordinary lady and very brave."
Brenna Cooper