Teen's Medical Records Accessed Years After Death

Paula McGowan, mother of 18-year-old Oliver, expressed deep concern as her son's medical records may have been improperly accessed for years after his 2016 death. Initial inquiries revealed at least five staff members at Bristol Foundation NHS Trust may have accessed Oliver's records without legitimate reason as recently as this year. Three nursing staff are currently under formal investigation.

One doctor who no longer works for the trust has self-referred to the General Medical Council. The trust is reviewing 13 additional cases involving former staff and has apologized for any distress caused. They have also voluntarily referred themselves to the Information Commissioner's Office, highlighting a broader issue of unauthorized access to sensitive NHS patient data nationwide.

Oliver, who had autism, died in 2016 at Southmead Hospital after receiving anti-psychotic medication against his family's explicit warnings. His mother was informed that 38 people had accessed his data since his death. While most access was deemed appropriate for complaints and inquests, three nursing staff not involved in his care are being investigated for viewing his records without a clear professional reason.

These incidents follow a stark warning from NHS England's head, Sir Jim Mackey, about potential sackings or prison for staff found snooping on records. Recent high-profile cases and a report finding thousands of NHS staff sanctioned for data snooping over five years underscore the seriousness of these breaches. The trust stated that any identified misconduct would result in appropriate action.