An investigation into the unauthorized accessing of AFL legend Tony Modra’s private medical files has widened, with SA Health confirming that a ninth staff member is now being scrutinized.

The former Adelaide Crows star was seriously injured in a truck crash at Back Valley, near Victor Harbor on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, in June. Following the accident, Modra underwent facial surgery and a lengthy recovery process.

Investigation Deepens After Systematic Audit

The health department initially launched an inquiry last month into three staff members for allegedly snooping on the football icon's records, while another five were being assessed. However, a recent system-wide audit has flagged another employee, bringing the total number of staff under active investigation to nine.

"One additional SA Health staff member is under investigation for potential inappropriate access of a patient record, following an audit that identified eight staff members who remain under investigation," SA Health said in a statement.

A History of High-Profile Privacy Breaches

This is not the first time South Australia's health system has faced scrutiny over staff inappropriately viewing the medical records of high-profile patients. The department has repeatedly warned employees about the strict legal and ethical boundaries surrounding patient confidentiality.

In 2016, 13 hospital staff members faced sanctions after accessing the medical records of Cy Walsh. More recently, in 2024, an internal investigation revealed that 18 staff members had engaged in misconduct or inappropriately accessed the medical files of the late Charlie Stevens, son of SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens.

Strict Penalties for Policy Violations

SA Health has apologized to the Modra family for the distress caused by the privacy breach. The department emphasized that regular, automated audits are conducted across all digital systems to monitor file access.

"Any staff member who has accessed information inappropriately may be subject to disciplinary processes, which may include termination of their employment," the department reiterated.

Despite the privacy controversy, Modra has remained positive during his rehabilitation. In a recent social media update, the beloved sports star shared that he was "getting out and about" and expressed his deep gratitude to the frontline medical team responsible for his care.