Caught snooping: Hospital staff wrongly viewed Rob Ford’s medical record

The Toronto hospital treating Mayor Rob Ford for cancer said a privacy violation was made when two staffers incorrectly viewed his medical record. Mount Sinai Hospital spokesperson Sally Szuster said the hospital found out about the breach through a series of safeguards in place and that “appropriate action” had been taken against the employees. Szuster said Ford was informed under protocol but would not say if the employees had been terminated, what jobs they hold or held, and what specific part of the medical record was accessed. Szuster also apologized on behalf of the hospital.

We sincerely regret that these privacy breaches occurred. Privacy for all of our patients is paramount and we will continue to be diligent in upholding our privacy policies and practices.

Sally Szuster, Mount Sinai spokesperson

Ford quit the mayoral race last month when it was determined that he had cancer in his abdomen and would need chemotherapy treatments. He chose to run for city councillor in Ward 2, the position he held for 10 years before becoming mayor, instead. His brother Doug decided to take his place in the mayoral race. Ford returned for another round of chemotherapy treatment last week and in the few public appearances he’s made, he has looked weak and weary. Ford will return for yet another round of therapy two days after the election and will be meeting with doctors to evaluate his condition.

Rob Ford Americas