NHS staff sacked over Nottingham attacks victims’ records as total reaches 15

Trust reports further dismissals

The trust announced in May that it had dismissed 11 staff members. In an update on Friday, it said the total had risen to 15 as its investigation continued.

Warnings and safeguards

NUH said it had also issued 15 final written warnings and two first written warnings. Those disciplined included doctors, nurses, registered healthcare professionals and other staff. The trust said it had informed independent regulators, including the Nursing and Midwifery Council and General Medical Council, as well as the Information Commissioner’s Office and Nottinghamshire Police. It also said it had run a staff data-protection campaign and was introducing a system to detect possible breaches.

NUH medical director Dr Manjeet Shehmar said there was “no excuse” for accessing patient records without a legitimate reason. He apologised that the families had been further affected by staff actions.

Inquiry examines wider response

A statutory public inquiry is examining decisions before the fatal attacks on 13 June 2023 and actions taken afterwards. It is led by retired senior judge Deborah Taylor KC, and its findings are due by May 2027.

Other access under scrutiny

The inquiry has also heard that court workers accessed case information inappropriately in January 2024. Seven probation service officers were identified as having accessed information, but the probation service and the Ministry of Justice’s data protection unit judged the breaches did not warrant further action. After a complaint by Barnaby’s mother, Emma Webber, in March, the force said it would audit how often the information had been viewed and whether access was appropriate.