Staff who accessed confidential medical records related to a high-profile missing child case have faced disciplinary action.

Noah Woods went missing from a playground in Branthom, Suffolk on September 15 after escaping his grandfather’s supervision.

Police said the child was non-verbal, partially deaf, and was undergoing an autism diagnosis.

His body was located on September 16 in Decoy Pond, about 300 metres from the playground, in a devastating end to a frantic search involving police and Coastguard helicopters and more than a thousand volunteers.

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has removed 10 employees after Noah’s medical records were accessed.

An investigation was launched on September 17 after concerns were raised about a number of staff members accessing his confidential information.

In a statement, the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust apologised “unreservedly” to Noah’s family and deputy chief medical officer Dr Martin Mansfield said any unauthorised access to medical information was “completely unacceptable”.

“We have apologised unreservedly to Noah Woods’ family for the extra anguish this breach of trust has caused them at an already devastating time,” he wrote.

“As soon as we became aware of concerns that Noah’s medical records may have been viewed inappropriately, we launched an urgent internal investigation. Immediate steps were also taken to secure the records and prevent further access that was not for a legitimate, clinical reason.”

Dr Mansfield continued, writing that the matter had been reported and Noah’s family would continue to be updated on the investigation.

The Trust confirmed to The Mirror that all 10 people were stood down.

“All of those colleagues have been removed from active duty or suspended whilst investigations are concluded,” a spokesperson said.

New information about Noah’s movements

The news comes days after an inquest into the toddler’s death learned that there was a gap in the playground fence, which he climbed through.

The Suffolk Coroner’s Court was told that Noah left the playground “through a gap in the fence”, then walked into a memorial garden, and left that through an open gate. Afterwards, he followed the path of a new housing estate which led to Decoy Pond, the BBC wrote.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Connick said Noah’s relative could be seen on CCTV footage closely following the boy and shouting after him until the three-year-old disappeared from view.

Another man joined the search and then police were contacted.

Assistant coroner Jyoti Gill said it was a “very sad and tragic death”.

The inquest has been adjourned to an unconfirmed date.

Noah’s devastated family issue heartfelt statement

Through Suffolk Police, Noah’s heartbroken family released a lengthy statement, in which they described the boy as “a happy, cheeky, playful three-year-old”.

“Noah loved to be loved. He was the most affectionate little boy. He loved hugs and kisses and soaked up every bit of affection he was given,” they said.

“Every night he would be tickled to sleep. He loved holding hands, being close to people, and feeling safe and loved by those around him.

“He had the most wonderful mannerisms that could make anyone smile. He had a glow about him that lit up every room he walked into.

“There was something incredibly special about him that drew people to him, and everyone who met him remembers that warmth and happiness.

“As a family, we want Noah’s last memory to be one of joy. We want people to remember him running, playing chase, giggling and being the happy little boy that he was.

“That is who Noah was, and that is how he deserves to be remembered.”

The family said he had been assessed for autism but had not received a diagnosis. They added that he had mild hearing loss and was speech delayed.

“Despite the challenges he faced, he was learning every day,” they said.

“He was saying new words all the time and had only just started finding and using his little voice.

“One of the things we miss most is the special sound of his voice. It was unique, wonderful, and something we will carry with us forever.”

Noah’s weekly visits to the park with his “treasured relative” had happened every Tuesday his whole life, they said.

“They had the most wonderful relationship, they loved playing chase together, running around, and exploring the play equipment,” the family said.

“Those moments were filled with laughter and happiness and are memories our family will treasure forever.”

They continued to write that he loved his little brother and his family.

It ended with a particularly touching message from “Noah’s mummy Charlie”, “If there is one thing we could ask of people, it is to hold their children a little tighter, cherish every moment, and never take those precious memories for granted.”