SA Health has announced that an additional staff member is under investigation for allegedly accessing the medical records of AFL legend Tony Modra without authorization.
Modra suffered significant injuries in a truck accident near Victor Harbor in June and subsequently underwent surgery on his face. The health department has confirmed that the inquiry is still in progress.
Last month, SA Health revealed that three employees were being scrutinized for possible inappropriate access to Modra’s confidential medical information, while another five staff members were being assessed to ascertain if their access was justified.
In a statement released today, SA Health reiterated that the investigation is ongoing. “Following an audit that revealed eight staff members under scrutiny, one more member of SA Health is now being investigated for potential unauthorized access to a patient record,” the statement indicated. “In total, nine individuals are currently involved in this investigation.”
This situation is not the first instance of SA Health personnel being scrutinized for improper access to patient records concerning notable figures. Previously, 13 hospital staff members faced disciplinary action after they were caught accessing the medical records of Cy Walsh, who was charged with the stabbing murder of his father, Phil Walsh, the coach of the Crows. Walsh was later found not guilty due to mental incompetence.
Additionally, an investigation by SA Health uncovered that 18 staff members had engaged in misconduct by improperly accessing the medical records of Charlie Stevens, the deceased son of SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, according to a report by ABC News.
SA Health has previously issued an apology to Modra’s family and emphasized its commitment to conducting regular audits to ensure that staff access is appropriate. “Any employee found to have accessed information inappropriately may face disciplinary action, including possible termination,” the department stated in earlier communications.
On a positive note, Modra shared an update on social media regarding his recovery, mentioning that he is “getting out and about” and expressing gratitude towards the medical professionals who have supported him throughout his rehabilitation.
