Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust experienced a significant data loss affecting maternity records on August 18, resulting from human error during routine database maintenance work. The incident occurred when staff members used pre-written computer instructions designed for a different hospital system without updating a critical setting. This configuration error caused the maternity database to be overwritten instead of the intended radiotherapy database, affecting records from September 2011 to November 2022.
The hospital was unable to fully recover certain data components from the affected period. Specifically, the trust cannot restore complete viewing history logs that would document which individuals accessed specific maternity records during the 11-year span. Hospital officials stated that in most cases they may be unable to confirm whether particular maternity records were viewed by specific personnel between those dates. However, the trust successfully recovered actual patient care data, including clinical notes, observations, test results, and other information documented as part of patient treatment.
NUH indicated that the data loss does not affect ongoing patient care operations and stated that no patient information was accessed or used inappropriately as a result of the incident. The hospitals escalated the problem within minutes of discovery and engaged external specialists to attempt data recovery from alternative information sources. Andy Callow, the chief digital and information officer, apologized for potential concern among affected families and stated the trust has implemented unspecified measures to strengthen technical controls and processes.
The incident occurs against a backdrop of broader investigations into NUH’s maternity services. A review released earlier this year identified concerns regarding over 500 mothers and babies who may have experienced potentially avoidable harm or death due to systemic issues including inadequate staffing and training. Additionally, a police investigation in June 2025 concluded that deletion of another patient file was likely intentional or malicious. Nottinghamshire Police is currently investigating whether the recent data loss impacts the larger maternity care case and whether criminal charges are warranted. A family advocacy group representing some affected families characterized the latest data loss as deeply concerning for families already experiencing trauma.
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