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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Storm Newton

How Southport victims faced an ‘unbelievable’ NHS privacy breach

  • NHS hospital workers at University Hospitals of Liverpool Group inappropriately accessed the medical records of victims from the July 2024 Southport attack.
  • An audit revealed that 48 staff members accessed these records without legitimate reason following the attack, which resulted in three girls murdered and 10 others injured.
  • Leanne Lucas, an instructor injured in the attack, expressed devastation, stating her privacy was invaded 'when I was at my most vulnerable' and criticised the almost two-year delay in informing victims.
  • A legal director representing victims described the incident as an 'unbelievable breach of privacy' and suggested it points to a systemic culture issue rather than isolated incidents.
  • The hospital trust's chief executive, James Sumner, apologised for the distress caused, explaining the delay in notification was due to concerns about the potential psychological impact on patients at the time, and confirmed staff faced disciplinary action.

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