Hospital and ambulance service investigate improper access to tiger attack victim's medical records
NHS staff at two separate trusts are under investigation after the medical records of William Chapman, who died following a tiger attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, were accessed without authorisation.
Two NHS trusts have launched investigations into the unauthorised access of medical records belonging to William Chapman, the man who died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster. The disclosures have raised fresh concerns about patient confidentiality and data protection within the health service.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust confirmed it has opened an investigation after staff were found to have inappropriately accessed Chapman's records. A separate hospital trust is also examining whether its employees improperly viewed the same patient's medical history. The exact number of staff involved and the trusts concerned have not been fully disclosed, but the matter has been referred to relevant authorities.
Chapman, who had a history of mental illness, died last Sunday after climbing into the tiger enclosure at the wildlife park. He was fatally attacked by a 30-stone tiger. His death prompted an outpouring of shock and raised questions about security at the attraction, which is home to several big cats. The incident is also being investigated by South Yorkshire Police and Doncaster Council.
The data breaches were flagged internally, triggering formal investigations by the NHS trusts. Under UK data protection law, accessing patient records without a legitimate clinical or administrative reason is a serious disciplinary matter and can result in dismissal or referral to the Information Commissioner's Office. The trusts have not commented on potential sanctions while inquiries are ongoing.
News of the improper access emerged as Chapman's family continues to grieve. The family has previously spoken about his mental health struggles, and the circumstances leading up to his entry into the enclosure remain under review. The wildlife park has said it is cooperating fully with the police and council investigations.
The case highlights the vulnerability of patient data and the strict protocols governing who may view medical records. NHS staff are typically only permitted to access information about patients directly involved in their care. Unauthorised access, even by curious colleagues, constitutes a breach of trust and can lead to regulatory action.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust said in a statement that it takes patient confidentiality extremely seriously and has launched an urgent investigation. The hospital trust involved has not yet named itself but confirmed that an internal review is under way. Neither trust has indicated how many members of staff are implicated.
South Yorkshire Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of Chapman's death, while Doncaster Council is reviewing health and safety arrangements at the park. The zoo has not commented on the medical records breaches. The Information Commissioner's Office has been informed of the potential data breaches, though it has not confirmed whether a formal investigation will be opened.
The incident has renewed debate about mental health support and the responsibilities of public attractions to prevent such tragedies. Chapman's family has asked for privacy while they await the outcome of the various inquiries. The investigations into the data breaches are expected to conclude in the coming weeks.
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