An investigation has been launched into potential unauthorized access of medical records belonging to Oliver McGowan, who died at Bristol Foundation NHS Trust in 2016. His mother, Paula McGowan, was informed that at least five staff members may have accessed her son’s files without permission, with some access occurring as recently as the current year.
Three nursing staff members are undergoing formal investigation for the suspected breaches. An additional healthcare worker has self-referred to the General Medical Council, while another staff member’s case is being reviewed separately. The trust has voluntarily reported the matter to the Information Commissioner’s Office and stated it is conducting a thorough investigation into the allegations.
Data requests by Oliver’s family revealed that 38 people had accessed his records since his death, with 637 items viewed and 67 printed. Most of this access was deemed appropriate, relating to complaints, legal proceedings, and a coroner’s inquest. However, at least three nursing staff members could not provide legitimate professional reasons for their access, according to initial inquiries. One nurse reportedly indicated interest in anti-psychotic drugs and learning disability care as motivation.
The case is part of a broader pattern of inappropriate medical record access within the NHS. Earlier in the year, the head of NHS England issued a public warning that staff could face termination or criminal prosecution for unauthorized access to patient information. A recent investigation identified at least 214 NHS staff who lost employment and approximately 2,000 others who received sanctions related to unauthorized access to sensitive patient data over a five-year period.
Oliver died following the administration of anti-psychotic medication despite his family’s repeated warnings against such treatment. His parents have expressed concern about digital systems’ vulnerability to unauthorized access and called for strengthened protective measures. NHS officials have reaffirmed that unauthorized record access constitutes a serious breach of patient confidentiality and legal obligations.
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