CALL COPS ON KATE CASE
SCOTLAND Yard could be called in to investigate the alleged breach of the Princess of Wales’s private medical records.
The world-renowned London Clinic in Marylebone, where Kate underwent abdominal surgery in January, launched a probe amid allegations staff tried to access her private medical records. After our world exclusive was picked up around the globe, sources said last night up to three people could be involved.
In a further bombshell, it can be revealed that the alleged breach took place after the future queen was discharged on January 29, as social media exploded with outlandish and hurtful conspiracy theories relating to her surgery.
Sources said the criminal investigation, described as “unprecedented” and now being run by the Information Commissioner’s Office, could run alongside an additional probe by the Metropolitan Police.
Accessing someone’s medical records without cause or consent can be a criminal offence.
If the ICO finds evidence that medical records were accessed illegally, it can take action, including prosecuting and fining the person responsible in court.
The London Clinic CEO Al Russell said yesterday: “There is no place at our hospital for those who intentionally breach the trust of any of our patients or colleagues.”
A source said: “This is such a unique case that a police investigation could run alongside one by the Information Commissioner’s Office.
“The IOC will deal with anything which could end up in a magistrate’s court, but if there were further claims of wrongdoing such as a conspiracy to distribute illegally accessed information, then that could be a matter for the police.”
Scotland Yard has also been urged to launch an immediate investigation over fears of a potential royal blackmail plot.
Dai Davies, the former chief superintendent and head of the royal protection unit, said: “Anyone accused of this most serious breach
Accessing notes you don’t have permission to is pretty serious stuff HEALTH MINISTER
ON CLAIMS
of trust should be interviewed under caution at the earliest opportunity.
“The implications for the Royal Family are far and wide and there must be a full probe by Scotland Yard to determine if any crimes have been committed.”
The Met Police said they had not yet received a referral, but Health Minister Maria Caulfield told Sky News yesterday that she understood
CAULFIELD police have been asked to look at it. The former nurse said it was “pretty serious stuff to be accessing notes that you don’t have permission to”.
She added: “Unless you’re looking after that patient, or they’ve given you their consent, you should not be looking at patients’ notes.
“As a nurse, my regulator the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council), can take enforcement action… and can strike you off the register if the breach is serious enough.
“So there are particularly hefty implications if you are looking at notes for medical records that you should not be looking at.”
Fears that the King’s private medical information had also been compromised were dismissed last night, after Charles spent three nights at the hospital during the same period as the Princess of Wales after undergoing
an operation for an enlarged prostate. Sources claimed hospital bosses had informed Buckingham Palace that the alleged breach being probed did not involve the monarch.
Charles, who was last week falsely reported by Russian media to have died, waved to the public from a car leaving Clarence House yesterday.
The King and Kate were discharged on January 29. The King was subsequently diagnosed with “a form of cancer”, announced on February 5.
Senior bosses at the hospital told the IOC within 72 hours of the alleged breach of Kate’s records, in accordance with the watchdog’s guidelines.
Kensington Palace has gone to great lengths to protect her privacy and has said she will not return to royal duties until after Easter while she is recovering at home.
Sources suggested the Princess may join the royal family on a scheduled walk to church on Easter Sunday, but no decision had yet been taken.
Her husband the Prince of Wales met guardsmen from 1st Battalion, the Welsh Guards at Combermere Barracks in Windsor yesterday, while the Queen received a warm welcome on a visit to Douglas, Isle of Man.
The hospital CEO added: “Everyone at The London Clinic is aware of our individual, professional, ethical and legal duties with regards to patient confidentiality.
“We take enormous pride in the outstanding care and discretion we aim to deliver for all our patients.
“We monitor management of patient information and, in the case of any breach, all appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary steps will be taken.”
The General Medical Council, which regulates doctors, said patients must have confidence their personal information is protected “at all times”.
A spokesman for PM Rishi Sunak said: “Clearly there are strict rules on patient data that must be followed.”