Unauthorized Persons in Two Hospitals Peep into Rob Ford’s Patient Records

The oft-disparaged Toronto mayor has had his privacy breached twice, since undergoing medical treatment for an abdominal mass that turned out to be cancer.

Individuals gained "inappropriate access" to Ford’s medical records at Humber River Hospital, where he was initially admitted, a hospital spokesman said.

“Once, I can understand — but twice. I am very disappointed,” Ford told the Toronto Sun. “I don’t know how this could happen. I wonder if somebody, maybe the premier, will step in and find out why this happened and who is behind it.”

The hospital notified Ford of the breach of privacy on Oct. 22, following an investigation that revealed the security lapse.

Humber River President and CEO Rueben Devlin did not say whether the individuals were on staff, but said "appropriate disciplinary action was being taken" against them.

Last week, Mount Sinai Hospital, where Ford is currently being treated, announced a similar breach of privacy. In that incident, two staff members not involved in Ford's care were disciplined after accessing Ford's medical records.

“We became aware of this activity through a robust system of safeguards and auditing procedures designed to ensure compliance to our security and privacy policies,” Sally Szuster, the manager of communications and public affairs at Mount Sinai, said in an e-mailed response to questions from the Globe and Mail. “We immediately investigated and appropriate action has been taken, as per our strict code of conduct and privacy policies.”

Ford was diagnosed with pleomorphic liposarcoma in September.