NHS Tayside is investigating an alleged data breach after claims that staff accessed the medical records of nine-year-old Minnie Merriman, who died following an incident in Arbroath.
Incident details
Minnie, from West Yorkshire, was found injured just after midnight on Monday at the Elliot industrial estate in Angus while her family were camping nearby. She was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she later died.
Her father, Christopher Rice, 35, has been charged with her murder.
Data breach investigation
The Scottish Sun reported that the hospital is investigating claims that staff accessed Minnie's medical records without clinical need or permission. Ninewells Hospital is managed by NHS Tayside.
A spokesperson for the health board said: “NHS Tayside is currently investigating the circumstances of an alleged data breach, which happened in a working clinical area where staff access patient information.
“As a matter of governance, any data protection breach would be recorded and investigated by NHS Tayside and, where appropriate, reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office.
“It would not be appropriate for us to comment further on individual staffing matters.”
Legal proceedings and family tribute
At Forfar Sheriff Court on Wednesday, Rice did not enter a plea and was committed for further examination and remanded in custody.
Minnie's family paid tribute to her in a statement released through Police Scotland, saying: “We are devastated with the loss of our beloved, absolutely incredible, beautiful and brave Minnie Moo.
“Our family asks that our privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.”
