NHS staff investigated over access to dead teenager's medical records
Oliver McGowan, who died in 2016, may have had his medical records accessed inappropriately after his death by NHS staff in Bristol.
Paula McGowan, mother of Oliver, an 18-year-old autistic boy who died in 2016, expressed deep hurt and concern over her son's medical records possibly being accessed inappropriately by NHS staff. At least five staff members from the Bristol Foundation NHS Trust may have accessed Oliver's records without permission, including three nursing staff under formal investigation and a former doctor who self-referred to the General Medical Council.
The trust has voluntarily referred itself to the Information Commissioner's Office in response to these concerns, which is the latest case of staff accessing patient records without a legitimate reason. Oliver's death was reportedly avoidable, as he had a mild learning disability and epilepsy, and was given anti-psychotic medication his family warned against.
The trust is now investigating 13 other cases involving former staff to determine if their access was appropriate. McGowan stated that the investigation has deeply hurt and disappointed her, especially considering the deeply personal aspects in Oliver's notes she has never shared with anyone.
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