The British public is being called upon by Downing Street to support Princess Catherine as she recuperates from surgery, amidst a storm of malicious conspiracy theories surrounding her health and an alleged data breach at the hospital where she received treatment.
A former NHS employee has disclosed how effortlessly one can access a patient’s medical notes following a reported security breach involving the Princess’ records.
The recent uproar over a manipulated photo and video of Catherine and William at a farm shop has ignited a plethora of outlandish conspiracy theories circulating online.
Should this latest development prove true, it would constitute a criminal offense.
Reports suggest that at least one hospital staff member was apprehended attempting to view Princess Catherine’s medical records while she was under care.
A former team clerk from an NHS Foundation trust highlighted the ease with which staff can retrieve patients’ records.
She emphasized that most NHS employees are issued a special ID card that grants access to specific IT systems when inserted into a computer or laptop.
This authorization extends beyond nurses, doctors, and healthcare assistants to administrative personnel.
Essentially, a significant portion of NHS workers can access anyone’s medical records with relative ease, posing a grave breach of confidentiality.
Addressing the alleged breach at the London Clinic, a spokesperson emphasized the stringent protocols governing patient data.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police confirmed they had not yet received any referrals, although there are calls for an immediate investigation by Scotland Yard and the IOC amid concerns of a potential royal blackmail scheme.
Health Minister Maria Caulfield acknowledged the gravity of the accusations, stating that if proven, the employee’s actions could tarnish the hospital’s reputation and lead to dismissal for gross misconduct.
The repercussions for any hospital employee found to have illicitly accessed Princess Catherine’s private medical records without valid cause may range from dismissal to potential compensation claims.
This latest breach echoes a previous incident in 2012 when Australian radio DJs impersonated the Queen and Prince Charles in a prank call to staff at King Edward VII’s hospital, where Catherine was receiving treatment for acute morning sickness.
Subsequently, a group threatened to expose royal family data unless a ransom in bitcoin was paid, sharing purportedly stolen files on the dark web, including x-rays, clinical notes, and registration forms.
The distressing turn of events unfolded when night nurse Jacinta Zaldana unwittingly connected the pranksters to a nurse caring for the Duchess, inadvertently divulging sensitive information about Prince William‘s medical condition.
Tragically, Mrs. Zaldana was discovered deceased by suicide three days later, leaving a profound impact on the royal couple.
In a heartfelt letter to Mrs. Zaldana’s family, Prince William expressed deep regret that someone who dedicated herself to caring for others faced such a dire situation.
