The CEO of the London Clinic has vowed to take 'disciplinary action' after an alleged breach of Princess Kate's medical data.
On Tuesday, the London Clinic launched an investigation over claims that staff had tried to access Kate's records during her stay for an abdominal operation.
Now the CEO, Al Russell, has spoken out about the claims saying that all the "appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary" steps will be followed.
He said: "Everyone at The London Clinic is acutely aware of our individual, professional, ethical and legal duties with regards to patient confidentiality.
Kate underwent an abdominal operation at the London Clinic in January
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"We take enormous pride in the outstanding care and discretion we aim to deliver for all our patients that put their trust in us every day.
"We have systems in place to monitor management of patient information and, in the case of any breach, all appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary steps will be taken.
"There is no place at our hospital for those who intentionally breach the trust of any of our patients or colleagues.”
It was claimed that the princess's records were breached during her 13-day stay as a patient at the London Clinic
Kate stayed at the London Clinic for 13 days after her surgery
PAKing Charles was also treated at the same hospital in January for an enlarged prostate.
It is a criminal offense for any member of the NHS or private healthcare workers to access a patient's records without the consent of the organisation’s data controller.
One insider told The Mirror yesterday: “This is a major security breach and incredibly damaging for the hospital, given its unblemished reputation for treating members of the Royal Family.
"Senior hospital bosses contacted Kensington Palace immediately after the incident was brought to their attention and assured the palace there would be a full investigation.
The London Clinic’s CEO, Al Russell, said that "investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary" steps would be taken
Getty"The whole medical staff have been left utterly shocked and distraught over the allegations and were very hurt that a trusted colleague could have allegedly been responsible for such a breach of trust and ethics.”
The princess is believed to be aware of the situation but Kensington Palace commented: "This is a matter for the London Clinic."
The London Clinic previously stated: “We firmly believe that all our patients, no matter their status, deserve total privacy and confidentiality regarding their medical information.”
Several other members of the Royal Family have also used The London Clinic for different treatments including Prince Philip and Princess Margaret.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Princess Kate is recovering from surgery at Adelaide CottagePAThe hospital was officially opened by King George VI and his wife Queen Elizabeth in 1932.
It has about 23,000 inpatients a year and a further 110,000 outpatients, according to the health watchdog.
Princess Kate is not expected to return to any public engagements until after Easter, according to Kensington Palace.
Although no further details of Kate's medical condition was revealed, it was announced that it was non-cancerous.
