(Image: Freelance)
BRADFORD NHS staff suspected of unlawfully accessing patient records will now face immediate suspension.
The new policy is part of a zero-tolerance approach to protect patient privacy and follows similar incidents across the country.
NHS England has asked every trust to suspend suspected individuals and pause their access to NHS systems while the incident is investigated.
Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS England, said: "Patient records contain some of the most private information people will ever share.
"We have seen too many cases of people abusing that trust, and enough is enough."
NHS England has already taken steps to address inappropriate access, including launching a national campaign to remind staff of their responsibilities and the serious consequences of unlawful access, and issuing guidance on preventing, monitoring, investigating and reporting unlawful access, including the use of regular audits and technical controls to identify suspicious activity.