Medical records ‘leaked’
A WOMAN who claims a Robina Hospital nurse leaked details of her miscarriage and other medical records to her “emotionally abusive’’ boyfriend is suing the state.
Emily Louise White went to the hospital after a miscarriage in mid-2016 and told staff who were treating her about her difficult relationship with her boyfriend, her claim says.
Her medical records contained details of the “emotionally abusive relationship and emotional control’’ to which she had been subjected, it is alleged.
After she became pregnant with her boyfriend Nathan Miller’s child, he allegedly became more controlling, her District Court claim says.
She feared the abusive relationship would escalate if he knew she had miscarried.
Lawyer Lisa Flynn of Shine Lawyers said Ms White miscarried in late June 2016, with- in her first trimester, but was scared of her boyfriend’s response if she told him then.
It is claimed on about August 20 that year hospital employee Jessica Viera accessed Ms White’s medical records without her permission and revealed the contents to Mr Miller. The relationship between the couple deteriorated after the disclosure and Ms White became concerned for her personal health, safety and wellbeing, the claim says.
She allegedly suffered an adjustment disorder, anxiety and depressed mood as a result of the access and disclosure of her confidential information.
The District Court claim against the state of Queensland, for $409,705, alleges negligence, breach of contract, privacy and confidence, and unconscionable conduct.
The State Government is yet to respond to the claim and Gold Coast Health said it could not comment on the case.