INUVIK
The top administrator at the Inuvik Regional Hospital confirmed last week that an investigation is underway after a complaint was made about an alleged breach of privacy.

An investigation is underway about an alleged breach of privacy at Inuvik Regional Hospital. - Sarah Ladik/NNSL photo

"We're talking about potential privacy breaches in an electronic system," said hospital CEO Arlene Jorgensen. "There's a distinction between privacy and confidentiality."

A breach of confidentiality, she said, would mean an employee shares personal information outside the hospital. A breach of privacy, as may be the case here, is if an employee viewed information they should not have.

"The investigation was brought forward when an individual gave the complaint," Jorgensen said. "From there we're looking more broadly."

Two outside investigators have been hired to undertake the investigation. The process, Jorgensen said, is a lengthy one and a report is anticipated to be completed at the end of March. Some of the investigation must be done on site, but much of it can be conducted from outside the community, she said.

While she would not confirm that hospital employees have been suspended or let go as a result of the alleged breach, she said the hospital has "taken steps to mitigate any risks to information to ensure people's privacy is protected."

The Drum reached out to the person who made the original complaint, but that person declined to comment.

Jorgensen was quick to note that, despite the alleged breach, electronic records are not to blame. Electronic files and records are overall safer than regular paper ones, she said.

The health authority is in the process of converting to electronic medical records and there have been some concerns about the security of information.

"The advantage of electronic is that we can see really clearly who has accessed what and when," she said, adding that it ensures better accountability for all involved. "We want to reassure people that electronic medical records are more secure."