Bristol Trust Investigates Staff for Snooping on Deceased Teenager's Records
Bristol Foundation NHS Trust is investigating three nurses and one doctor for accessing the medical records of Oliver McGowan, an 18-year-old autistic boy who died in 2016, without legitimate professional reasons. His mother, Paula McGowan, reported that 38 individuals accessed his data since his death, with 637 items viewed and 67 printed. While most access was linked to legal proceedings or inquests, the trust is formally investigating three nurses who had no involvement in his care. One nurse allegedly accessed the files out of general interest in anti-psychotic drugs. A former doctor has self-referred to the General Medical Council. The trust has voluntarily referred itself to the Information Commissioner's Office and apologized for the distress caused. This case highlights ongoing concerns about unauthorized access to sensitive patient data in the NHS, following recent high-profile breaches and a new zero-tolerance policy from NHS England.
