Key facts
- A former healthcare worker at the London Clinic has been cautioned by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
- The caution relates to the deliberate misuse of the Princess of Wales's private medical records.
- The individual offered to disclose the records for financial gain.
- The ICO investigated the unlawful obtaining and disclosure of medical information.
- The Princess of Wales was a patient at the London Clinic in January 2024.
A former healthcare worker at the London Clinic has been cautioned by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for deliberately misusing the Princess of Wales's private medical records and offering to disclose them for financial gain. The ICO launched a criminal investigation in March 2024 after the London Clinic reported a breach involving the unlawful obtaining and disclosure of medical information.
At the time of the alleged breach in January 2024, at least one staff member was reported to have attempted to access Kate's notes while she was a patient at the private hospital. The ICO stated that the conduct involved the deliberate misuse of highly sensitive personal information and an offer to disclose it for financial gain, representing a clear breach of trust.
Ian Hulme, the ICO's executive director for regulatory supervision, emphasized that people should be able to trust that their personal information given to healthcare settings is safe and protected from exploitation. He added that the ICO will not hesitate to pursue criminal prosecution where necessary and proportionate.
The Mirror reported that a hospital worker suspected of accessing the Princess's records had been struck off and sacked following an internal investigation. The staff member was dismissed after being suspected of attempting to access the Princess’ confidential medical records following her 13-day stay at the hospital. The King was also a patient at the clinic around the same time, but his records were reportedly not compromised.