A survivor of the Southport attack has expressed her devastation after it emerged that 48 hospital workers inappropriately accessed the medical records of victims. Leanne Lucas, who was the instructor at the Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop targeted by Axel Rudakubana in July 2024, said the NHS staff had 'abused their position'.
Attack details
Rudakubana's attack with a kitchen knife resulted in the deaths of seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, and Bebe King, six. Ten others were injured, including Lucas, who has been credited with saving many lives that day.
Data breach
An information access audit by the University Hospitals of Liverpool Group revealed that 48 staff members accessed victims' records without legitimate reason. The trust reported the incident to the Information Commissioner's Office in August 2024.
James Sumner, the trust's chief executive, said the decision not to inform patients initially was made after considering the potential psychological impact. However, the information has now been shared with those affected.
Lucas, who now campaigns against knife crime and has waived her anonymity, stated: 'I am absolutely devastated and horrified that my privacy has been invaded when I was at my most vulnerable.' She added: 'Nothing will take away my gratitude to the staff who saved my life, but 48 people not involved in my care abused their position of trust.'
Legal response
Nicola Brook, a legal director at Broudie Jackson Canter representing three survivors, called the breach 'truly unbelievable' and indicative of a cultural problem. Sumner apologised for the distress caused and confirmed that disciplinary actions were taken against the staff involved.
Rudakubana received a minimum sentence of 52 years for the murders and attempted murders.
