Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust says Michelle Boag 'never' had access to COVID-19 data

Watch: National leader Todd Muller told The AM Show he has lost confidence in Hamish Walker Credit: The AM Show

The Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust (ARHT) says it did not give confidential COVID-19 patient information to former National leader Michelle Boag. 

On Tuesday night Boag admitted she had provided former National MP Hamish Walker COVID-19 patient details. She claimed the information had been sent to her personal email address in her capacity as acting chief executive for ARHT - a role from which she has now resigned. 

In a statement on Wednesday ARHT chairman Simon Tompkins said Boag "never" had access to any clinical or patient data in her former role as acting chief executive officer and trustee. 

"We are entrusted with information about our patients which is properly protected by protocols which only enable access to those who need this data to care for the patient," said Tompkins.

"We have reviewed these protocols and are confident that none of this patient information has been subject to any privacy breach."

In a statement on Tuesday Boag apologised for providing Walker with the information saying it was a "massive error of judgement".

"I apologise to my colleagues at ARHT whom I have let down badly."

Boag's statement did not reveal who sent the information to her.

The leak has been blasted by Health Minister Chris Hipkins as "dirty politics" and National leader Todd Muller said it was "a clear breach of trust".

Speaking to The AM Show on Wednesday, Muller said Walker's actions did not reflect the National Party's values and the MP had lost his confidence.

"His approach is completely unacceptable; not reflective of the National Party I want to lead."

Walker has since resigned from his role as the National Party's Southland candidate, apologising for his actions in a statement on Wednesday. 

"I wish to thank the people of Clutha-Southland who I have loved meeting, assisting and representing over the past two and a half years. I sincerely apologise for my actions."

 

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