A hospital has apologised to Sir Alex Ferguson after staff were accused of spying on his medical records while he was having treatment for a brain haemorrhage.
The former Manchester United manager had emergency surgery at Salford Royal hospital and was kept in intensive care after he collapsed at home in May.
The hospital said several staff were under investigation “in relation to an information governance breach” and that it had “apologised unreservedly to the patient and their family”.
The Sunday Times reported that two doctors, a senior consultant and at least two nurses accessed Ferguson’s records despite not being responsible for his care.
A spokeswoman for the Salford Royal NHS foundation trust declined to confirm the identity of the patient but said an “HR process” was under way.
The trust had reported the alleged breaches to the Information Commissioner’s Office, she said.
Ferguson, 76, spent four days in intensive care at Salford Royal hospital after being rushed from his home in Cheshire.
He subsequently remained an inpatient for a fortnight before returning home in early June.
The Scot, who is the most successful manager in the history of British football, received an emotional ovation when he returned to Old Trafford in September.
Ferguson thanked the medical staff who saved his life in a video message released in July. He said: “Hello. Just a quick message first of all to thank the medical staff at Macclesfield, Salford Royal and Alexandra hospitals.
“Believe me, without those people, who gave me such great care, I would not be sitting here today. So, thank you from me and my family. Thank you very much.”
