Scot NHS trust probes access to medical records of 9-year-old girl after man arrested on suspicion of murder

A Scottish NHS trust is currently probing a potential data breach that involved unauthorized access to the medical records of a nine-year-old girl who tragically passed away earlier this week. The unnamed man has been charged with her death and was arrested on August 5. The girl, whose name was disclosed for the first time on Wednesday, was found with severe injuries at Elliot Industrial Estate on Monday, August 3, and subsequently transported to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she sadly succumbed to her injuries.

NHS Tayside, the governing body overseeing Ninewells Hospital, confirmed they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged breach which occurred within a clinical area where staff typically access patient information. They emphasized that any data protection breach would be recorded and investigated by NHS Tayside, and reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if deemed necessary.

However, they declined to provide further details about the specific data accessed or the identity of the individual responsible for the intrusion. The UK's Medical records are safeguarded by the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) under the Data Protection Act 2018, in addition to various common law confidentiality rules.

NHS staff are strictly prohibited from accessing patient information unless there is a legitimate clinical or work-related necessity. The 35-year-old suspect, known to the deceased, was apprehended without offering a plea at Forfar Sheriff Court on the day of his arrest and has since been remanded in custody. Police Scotland stated that they are not seeking any additional persons in connection with the girl's demise.

The girl's relatives, hailing from West Yorkshire and present near the scene, are receiving support from specialists. In a statement released through Police Scotland, the family expressed their profound grief over the loss of their beloved and incredible Minnie Merriman, asking for privacy during this trying time. Detective Inspector Mike Ness of Police Scotland’s major investigation team conveyed that their sympathies were extended to all individuals affected by this tragic incident.

He further noted that a police presence would persist in the vicinity while the ongoing investigation unfolded. He urged anyone with concerns or information to approach the officers or contact Police Scotland on 101, referencing incident number 0008 of Monday, 3 August 2026.