Home / Crime and Justice / NHS trust fires 11 over attack victim data breach
NHS trust fires 11 over attack victim data breach
21 May
Summary
- 11 staff members dismissed for illegal access to victim records.
- 14 additional staff received written warnings for misconduct.
- Victims' families dispute the trust's claim of legitimate access.
Eleven members of staff at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust have been dismissed following an investigation into the illegal access of medical records belonging to victims of the June 2023 Nottingham attacks. In addition, 14 other staff members have received written warnings but remain employed by the trust.
The attacks, carried out by Valdo Calocane, resulted in the deaths of students Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and caretaker Ian Coates. The trust confirmed the disciplinary actions against its employees, which included doctors, nurses, and administrators.
Families of the victims voiced their shock and disgust, particularly regarding the scale of the breaches. They have challenged the trust's claim that as many as 48 staff members had legitimate access to the records, deeming the number excessively high and its justification insufficient.
The trust's medical director, Dr. Manjeet Shehmar, apologized to the families for the added pain caused by the staff's actions. She emphasized that accessing patient records without a legitimate reason is unacceptable and assured that appropriate action is being taken.
Further investigations are being conducted into allegations of inappropriate access to the files of surviving victims. The Information Commissioner's Office and Nottinghamshire police have been notified, and regulatory bodies like the Nursing and Midwifery Council and General Medical Council will be involved.
