Wow, this 12:45 message adds a lot - this one is sure fun for all the rest of us, incognito. I guessed the first paragraph was the case, and am glad to see it.

Briefly, though, I would like to add another non-traditional viewpoint, regarding your last two sentences:

I have found in my now middle-aged existence after exposure to several varying types of office operations, including health care administration, that incompetences, disarry, and multitudes of people quietly or loudly trying to conceal their fears of disclosure is the norm, not the exception.

The point: having found her dirty laundry upon her departure does not weigh heavily into the equation.

Taking advantage of the confidentiality - I do believe the answer to your ethical dilemna is more likely to be found here than elsewhere. (And the undertone of resentment is palpable - HOWEVER, the appropriate corrective action, the RIGHT thing, is not to be confused with self-interest, except insofar as it helps you sleep at night.)

And I disagree (not claiming to be right, just wouldn't choose it myself) that you should feel responsible for the successor organization's failings. They can screw up this and many other things all by themselves, whether you were born or not.)

Undecided.