A Freedom of Information (FoI) request by the Local Democracy Reporting Service found eight of the 18 cases of wrongfully accessing medical records were referred to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

A spokesperson for York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘We take patient confidentiality extremely seriously and expect all staff to uphold the highest standards when accessing patient information. Access is permitted only when it is directly relevant to a patient's care, is closely monitored and audited, and any suspected breach of policy is thoroughly investigated.

‘Where inappropriate access is substantiated, appropriate action is taken, which may include disciplinary action or referral to professional regulators. All staff complete mandatory information governance training, with annual refresher training, and are regularly reminded of their responsibility to keep patient information safe.'

The news came as the NHSE today announced staff who inappropriately access medical records may be sacked or face prison.