Yorkshire Ambulance Trust probes unauthorized access to medical records after tiger attack

Yorkshire Ambulance Trust, part of the National Health Service, has opened an investigation into two of its staff members after they accessed the medical records of 24-year-old William Chapman without a legitimate reason. The breach was discovered after Chapman scaled a fence at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Oct. 10 and was fatally injured by a Siberian tiger, according to reports.

The trust confirmed that the unauthorized accesses occurred in two separate instances and that the Information Commissioner’s Office has been notified. Chapman’s family was informed of the investigation and has said he had a history of mental illness, including a diagnosis of schizophrenia, and was under psychiatric supervision at the time of the incident.

A full inquiry is scheduled for March, and officials said the probe will determine how the records were accessed and whether any further action is required. This incident follows previous reports of NHS staff improperly viewing patient information.

"There were two instances where Mr. Chapman’s medical information was accessed without a legitimate reason," a Yorkshire Ambulance Trust spokesperson told health-trade publication HSJ.

The tiger attack resulted in multiple traumatic injuries, and Chapman died at the scene. His family described his mental health challenges and noted he was taking heavy medication at the time of the attack.