Privacy concerns over eel-up-bottom case

File photo / NZ Herald

Hospital bosses have launched an investigation into a breach of patient privacy after details of an eel getting stuck up a man's bottom were made public.

The Auckland District Health Board said this afternoon that it would investigate "the apparent inappropriate access of clinical records and the possible separate leaking of information to the media".

The Herald on Sunday reported that an unnamed man who turned up at Auckland City Hospital last month was sent for X-rays and a scan, which showed there was an eel lodged inside him.

Board chief executive Ailsa Claire, who began her role this week, said high standards of professionalism were expected from staff.

"One of the fundamental responsibilities of working in a healthcare environment is showing respect for patients' right to privacy," she said.

"I take that responsibility very seriously indeed and I expect our staff to work and act at all times with a level of professionalism that honours the trust our patients place in us."

Ms Claire said any breach of a patient's privacy was taken seriously and, if proved, would result in disciplinary action.

"ADHB has robust HR processes and any apparent breaches of privacy will be investigated and action taken where appropriate."

Ms Clair said board chairman Dr Lester Levy had "made it very clear that ... he will not tolerate this type of behaviour".

"He and I stand shoulder-to-shoulder on this issue.

"I have met our senior leaders and outlined my expectations very clearly.

"I have asked that my expectations be reinforced with staff."

The Herald on Sunday reported a hospital source as saying the eel was "about the size of a decent sprig of asparagus".

"The incident is the talk of the place. Doctors and nurses have come across people with strange objects that have got stuck where they shouldn't be before, but an eel has to be a first," the source was reported as saying.

At the time, ADHB spokesman Matt Rogers confirmed a man had "presented at Auckland City Hospital ... with an eel inside him".