South Australian health officials have launched an investigation into allegations that multiple staff members improperly accessed the medical records of AFL icon Tony Modra while he was hospitalized. The probe, initiated after a routine audit, is examining the actions of up to eight employees within the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network.
Three staff members are currently under formal investigation for potential inappropriate access to a patient's record. An additional five employees are also being assessed to determine if their access to Modra's information was appropriate. South Australia Health stated that its investigations are ongoing.
Modra, a celebrated figure in Australian Rules Football, recently returned home to recover after sustaining life-threatening injuries on June 18. He was injured when a tree branch crashed through the windshield of his truck.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas addressed the allegations, issuing a stern warning to any health staff who might consider misusing their access to patient records. "My message to people who would think about doing the wrong thing within SA Health is just don't take the risk because you're going to get caught," Malinauskas stated. He emphasized the significant consequences, noting that losing a career built on specialized skills would be a "pretty big punishment."
This incident is not the first of its kind in South Australia. In 2015, 13 SA Health staff members faced disciplinary action for inappropriately accessing the medical records of Cy Walsh, the son of former Adelaide Crows coach Phil Walsh, who was tragically killed that year.