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.
