Health Secretary Yvette Cooper has condemned the unauthorised access of medical records belonging to William Chapman, a 24-year-old man who died after being mauled by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster on October 10. Cooper described the breach as “completely unacceptable” and emphasized that such actions violate the privacy and dignity standards upheld by the National Health Service (NHS).

Two staff members from Yorkshire Ambulance Service are reported to have accessed or attempted to access Chapman's medical records without a legitimate reason. The ambulance service has launched an investigation into the incident. Cooper stated that any NHS personnel found to have improperly viewed patient information should face serious consequences, including suspension during the investigation and potential dismissal.

Chapman’s death occurred after he climbed two fences at the park’s Land of the Tigers enclosure, according to inquest reports. His case has attracted considerable media attention, which officials say may have motivated the unauthorised access. Cooper highlighted that NHS records should only be accessed by staff directly involved in patient care and that breaches of this nature undermine public trust in the healthcare system.

Cooper told media outlets that she has spoken with the NHS chief executive about the issue and reiterated that the majority of NHS workers uphold the organization’s values of confidentiality and respect for patient privacy. The Health Secretary expressed her intent to crack down on any breaches, whether motivated by voyeurism or other reasons.

The investigation by Yorkshire Ambulance Service is ongoing, and no further details about the individuals involved or the extent of the data accessed have been released. This incident adds to broader concerns about data security and the handling of sensitive medical information within the NHS.