A statement on the University Medical Center website confirmed reports that  employees had been fired for violating the hospital’s zero tolerance policy regarding patient privacy.

UMC’s statement read: “”University Medical Center takes the privacy of all patients very seriously. The hospital has terminated three clinical support staff members this week for inappropriately accessing confidential electronic medical records, in accordance with UMC’s zero tolerance policy on patient privacy violations. A contracted nurse also was terminated by the nurse’s employer. We are not aware of any confidential patient information being released publicly. The families of all patients whose information was accessed have been notified. Any potential breaches of patient privacy by UMC staff will be investigated and appropriately addressed. With advances in technology, ensuring patient privacy has become the focus of hospitals nationwide. UMC uses sophisticated technology to help prevent and detect inappropriate access to patient information.””