HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES INVESTIGATED FOR LEAKING CLOONEY INFO; 2 DOZEN ALREADY SUSPENDED (CBS, AP)

By Nancy Vialatte

Dozens of hospital workers in New Jersey have been suspended for leaking medical information about George Clooney. Following a motorcycle accident last month, Clooney was taken to the Palisades Medical Center and within minutes, the media seemed to know everything about his condition. Sources have told CBS 2 HD that hospital officials are now investigating the leaks.

As many as 40 employees are being investigated, with more than two dozen already suspended without pay. A union spokesperson who represents some of the workers told CBS, "It was inappropriate but they are paying a steep price. But I don't even think George Clooney would want people to pay. Again, the apology to him for his privacy rights [is necessary], but I think in fact the hospital is overreacting."

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, Clooney said, �This is the first I've heard of it. And while I very much believe in a patient's right to privacy, I would hope that this could be settled without suspending medical workers.�

The Jersey Journal of Jersey City reported that 27 employees, but no doctors, had been disciplined, and only for looking at the records without authorization.

Sources say while doctors were tending to Clooney's injuries, employees not involved with his care logged into the hospital computer system to review his medical records. CBS 2 HD has learned a security guard even gave out the number to one of Clooney's family members. (CBS)

"It's egregious that these hospital personnel gave out this information," said an attorney who has handled cases of this nature. "Obviously the information was leaked to the press. Because the press had the information and the only people who were privy to the information were the hospital personnel.�