Health and Wellbeing Department deputy chief executive Judith Formston said this morning that 18 staff were under investigation for “potential inappropriate access of a SAHLN patient’s record”.

Formston said 10 of those 18 had been suspended pending the outcome of investigations.

“Any staff member who has accessed information inappropriately will be subject to disciplinary processes, which may include a termination of their employment,” Formston said.

“We have robust policies and processes in place to ensure that staff are accessing appropriate information and conduct audits to ensure our polices are complied with.”

The ABC has reported that records potentially accessed were those of Charlie Stevens, the son of police commissioner Grant Stevens. Charlie Stevens died in hospital after being hit by a car last November.

SA Health did not name the patient in question but Formston said the patient’s family was being kept informed of the investigations.

“Our sincerest apologies go to the family for distress caused,” she said.

A SA Police spokesperson said “SA Health has kept the Stevens family apprised of its investigation”.

“The Stevens family has no further comment,” the spokesperson said.