An urgent investigation has been launched by an NHS trust after a data breach of medical records relating to Noah Woods.
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust has apologised to Noah’s family, adding any unauthorised access of patient data was “completely unacceptable”.
The three-year-old became separated from a relative after visiting a playground in Merriam Close, Brantham, on Tuesday afternoon.
After a widespread search, police confirmed dive teams had recovered Noah’s body from a lake known locally as Decoy Pond.
Now, the trust has apologised “unreservedly” to the boy’s family for the “extra anguish” it caused after the data breach.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Martin Mansfield said: “Any unauthorised access of patient data is completely unacceptable. We understand the significant distress it can cause patients and their families.
“It also undermines trust in our services. Safeguarding that trust is central to the care we provide.
“We have apologised unreservedly to Noah Woods’ family for the extra anguish this breach of trust has caused them at an already devastating time.
“As soon as we became aware of concerns that Noah’s medical records may have been viewed inappropriately, we launched an urgent internal investigation.”
Dr Mansfield continued: “Immediate steps were also taken to secure the records and prevent further access that was not for a legitimate, clinical reason.
“We have reported the matter to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), and we will continue to keep Noah’s family informed as our investigation progresses.
“We take any patient data breach seriously.
“We investigate thoroughly, and we will take disciplinary action where needed in response to our findings, in line with the Trust’s policies and procedures.”
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An inquest opening earlier this week heard how the toddler had left an under-fives play area in Brantham, Suffolk and became separated from the relative who was with him on September 15.
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Connick told the hearing Noah was being “looked after by relatives and this was part of a normal routine for Noah”.
The first CCTV footage was timed at 2.13pm and Noah was last seen playing at 2.37pm, said Mr Connick, who added the CCTV is “motion-activated so doesn’t provide continuous footage”.
He said the relative, who was not named at the hearing, had provided a statement to police.
The officer said Noah “left through a gap in the fence leading to the memorial garden where he left through an open gate”.
He said Noah went in the direction of Decoy Pond and he was “being closely followed by his relative, who was trying to keep up with him”.
He said the relative “shouted after him”, but after 200 metres Noah could not be seen.
Noah’s family said in their tribute that he was “the most affectionate little boy”.
In a statement at the inquest opening, Noah’s family thanked Good Dads Club, which set up an online fundraiser for the family which has raised more than £113,000, Ipswich Town Football Club and “everyone who helped during the search”.
Noah’s mother Charlie added: “If there is one thing we could ask of people, it is to hold their children a little tighter, cherish every moment, and never take those precious memories for granted.”
Friday’s inquest was told that Noah’s medical cause of death was pending further investigation.
Assistant coroner for Suffolk Jyoti Gill said: “The inquest is adjourned to a date to be fixed in due course.”
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