As part of a zero-tolerance crackdown, NHS staff suspected of improperly and unlawfully accessing patients’ medical records will face immediate suspension and have their access to NHS computer systems cut off.

Every trust has been asked by NHS England to act immediately when staff are suspected of accessing patient records without proper justification. They will be suspended while the incident is investigated and their access to NHS systems will be paused.

The announcement comes amid a number of high-profile cases of staff accessing highly sensitive patient information they had no legitimate reason to view.

Sir Jim Mackey, NHS Chief Executive, said: “Patient records contain some of the most private information people will ever share.

“We have seen too many cases of people abusing that trust, and enough is enough.

“If someone is suspected of snooping, we cannot leave them in post with access to patients’ records while an investigation takes days or weeks.

“From now on, we will expect them to be suspended and have their access to NHS systems cut off immediately, while the facts are established.

“Anyone who thinks they can satisfy their curiosity by looking at a patient’s record should know this: they will be found out, they may lose their career, and could end up with a criminal record.”