Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has sacked 11 members of staff for inappropriately accessing the medical records of the Nottingham stabbing victims. The trust announced on Thursday that 11 employees have been dismissed and a further 14 have faced disciplinary actions, with investigations ongoing.
Background of the case
In 2023, students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, along with grandfather Ian Coates, were stabbed to death by Valdo Calocane. The trust began investigating the breach in early 2025, uncovering widespread unauthorized access to the victims' health records.
Disciplinary actions taken
The trust confirmed that actions include two first written warnings, 12 final written warnings, and 11 dismissals. Those involved range from doctors and nurses to administrative staff. The trust is now consulting with regulatory bodies such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the General Medical Council, which have the power to remove staff from professional registers. The Information Commissioner’s Office and Nottinghamshire Police have also been informed.
Trust's response
Dr. Manjeet Shehmar, medical director at NUH, expressed regret over the incident, stating: "The families of Ian, Grace and Barnaby have had to endure much pain and heartache, and I am truly sorry that the actions of some of our staff have added to that. To access the medical records of our patients without a legitimate reason is totally unacceptable." He emphasized that the trust is committed to ensuring that patient records are accessed lawfully and appropriately.
The trust also noted that further investigations are ongoing into unauthorized access to records of surviving victims, including Wayne Birkett, Sharon Miller, and Marcin Gawronski. This comes as a public statutory inquiry into the killings continues.
