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Data Loss at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust Amid Largest NHS Maternity Scandal
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Data Loss at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust
Maternity records for women and babies who received care between September 2011 and November 2022 were overwritten during routine IT work at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust. The trust restored the patient information on August 18, but it has been unable to recover the audit trail showing who accessed those records during the affected period.
Background: Maternity Scandal and Operation Perth
The incident occurs within the context of the UK’s largest maternity scandal, centred on deaths and injuries at Nottingham City Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre. Police investigations, known as Operation Perth, have been probing the care provided at these two hospitals. A separate police probe last year identified a missing data file containing details of hundreds of maternity cases, concluding it was most likely deleted “intentionally or maliciously.” Nottinghamshire Police have now been notified of the recent data loss and are assessing any impact on Operation Perth.
Official Statements & Responses
Deputy Chief Constable Rob Griffin, gold commander for Operation Perth, said the police are still evaluating the incident. He noted that a report from the individual responsible for the IT work has been received and that further analysis of the digital process is underway. Griffin added that the team awaits a copy of the restored database before proceeding with additional recovery steps and that the overall impact on Operation Perth remains under assessment.
Verbatim Quote
“At present, no crime has been identified. We have received a report from the individual concerned and have spoken with them.” — Chief Constable Rob Griffin, deputy chief
Impact on Investigation
While the restored patient data allows clinical care to continue, the inability to retrieve the viewing history hampers investigators’ ability to determine whether any unauthorized access occurred. Police have indicated that the assessment of any effect on Operation Perth will be completed after the pending analysis and recovery work are finished. Families affected by the broader maternity scandal are advised to contact Operation Perth for support and further information.