Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) has launched an investigation after up to 40 members of its staff accessed the medical records of a three-year-old boy who was critically injured in a crocodile attack. The child was hospitalized after being thrown into a reptile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst near Huntingdon last week.
Zoo Attack Details
The three-year-old boy suffered a shattered arm and pelvis after landing on concrete and being bitten by at least one saltwater crocodile. He was reportedly thrown approximately 15 feet into the enclosure by a stranger. The enclosure houses more than a dozen crocodiles and alligators. The zoo's co-owner, Tracey Johnson, along with her husband and son, entered the enclosure to rescue the child.
The 30-year-old man arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder was later bailed after being assessed as not fit for interview. Witnesses reported that the man's carers were reportedly distracted and several meters behind him when the incident occurred.
The boy is now in a stable condition at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. However, hospital officials revealed that his medical records were accessed by a significant number of staff since his admission.
Hospital Investigation
A spokesperson for CUH stated that the hospital is taking the matter seriously and will implement “robust disciplinary action” against any staff found to have accessed the patient’s records without a legitimate clinical or operational reason. This incident follows other cases where NHS staff have inappropriately accessed sensitive medical information, including that of the Princess of Wales and victims of terror attacks. In those previous cases, at least 12 individuals were dismissed, and over 50 faced disciplinary measures.