Health Secretary Yvette Cooper calls NHS data breaches a disgrace amid staff sackings and privacy concerns

Cooper condemns record access

Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Cooper said NHS staff must show proper respect for patients. She said most staff uphold privacy and dignity standards, and that people should be suspended promptly when suspected breaches are investigated.

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed it had dismissed 15 staff members over access to medical records connected to the Nottingham attacks. The trust said it is testing a new system intended to protect records and alert it to potential breaches.

Families seek answers

Kumar called for action to stop what he described as voyeuristic access to highly confidential medical data. He said it was time to address the failures and reduce the suffering of people affected by crime and major incidents.

Chapman records may have been accessed

An inquest heard on Thursday that Chapman died from “multiple traumatic injuries and animal interaction” after entering the tiger’s enclosure at the park near Doncaster. The article does not report a confirmed breach of his records.

Investigations and safeguards

The Information Commissioner’s Office previously told the BBC it would assess any evidence supplied by the trust and consider next steps. Police said there was no criminal investigation.

The trust’s system is still being tested and is intended to help prevent future breaches. Cooper said staff suspected of breaching records should be suspended while investigations are under way.