A hospital has launched an investigation following claims that a cleaner had made contact with a female patient after looking through her medical records. The mother-of-two was reported receiving treatment at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary’s accident and emergency department at the time of the cleaner accessing her personal information. The woman claimed that she received a message from the cleaner via her Facebook page the following day. Consort, who employs the man to work at the hospital, have described the matter as very serious. The police have been informed of the matter.
Jackie Sansbury, NHS Lothian’s chief operating officer, maintained that the issue of patient confidentiality was taken extremely seriously. Ms. Sansbury reported that immediate action was taken following the reporting of the incident. Lothian and Borders Police confirmed that they were investigating the matter. It is claimed that the cleaner had accessed hospital computers and had searched for details of the woman on their systems. He is believed to have used this information to trace her online. The Scotland Patients Association has described the unauthorised usage of confidential patient records as “completely unacceptable”.
Duncan Lewis’ employment law solicitors can provide essential legal advice to employees faced with investigations into their conduct in the workplace. The team of specialist solicitors boast the experience, skill and flexibility to represent all types of employees, as well as individual independent contractors. Duncan Lewis is amongst the few firms able to assist clients under the legal aid scheme. In addition to accepting publically funded clients, the employment department is able to represent privately paying clients, whether funded through insurance, a no-win, no fee (CFA) arrangement or directly by the clients themselves.