Health
NHS trust investigates staff over access to deceased teenager's medical files
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust is reviewing multiple staff members over potential unauthorised access to Oliver McGowan's records, BBC News reports.
The short version
- Bristol Foundation NHS Trust informed Paula McGowan that at least five staff members may have improperly accessed her late son Oliver's medical records as recently as this year.[BBC News]
- Three nurses not involved in Oliver's care are under formal investigation, while another staff member is undergoing a separate review.[BBC News]
- Most of the 38 individuals who viewed the records since Oliver's 2016 death did so legitimately for legal proceedings, complaints, and inquest inquiries.[BBC News]
- The hospital trust stated it is carrying out a full investigation before determining outcomes, while NHS England warned that illicit access can lead to dismissal or prosecution.[BBC News]
Key facts
- Paula McGowan learned that at least five NHS workers may have accessed her late son Oliver's medical files without permission.[BBC News]
- Three nurses who did not participate in Oliver's care are subject to formal inquiries after early reviews found no valid care reason for viewing his files.[BBC News]
- Since Oliver's death in 2016, 38 individuals accessed his medical files across 637 views and 67 printouts, with most views tied to inquests and legal matters.[BBC News]
- NHS England cautioned that personnel viewing patient files without cause face disciplinary measures, termination, or criminal charges.[BBC News]
What remains uncertain
- The trust stated that inquiries are not yet complete, making it too early to draw final conclusions on whether misconduct occurred.[BBC News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.