Full Breakdown
Post-mortem Access of Oliver McGowan’s NHS Records Triggers New Probe
By Drooid · · How we work
Investigation into the Record Access
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust launched an internal investigation after a subject-access request from Oliver McGowan’s parents revealed that at least 38 current and former staff members had viewed his medical files over the past decade. The trust has placed three current nursing staff under formal investigation, a fourth individual under separate review by the Chief Medical Officer, and a former doctor has self-referred to the General Medical Council. The trust also sent letters to former employees, asking for responses by 2 October 2026.
Background and Prior Concerns
Oliver McGowan, an 18-year-old with autism and epilepsy, died in 2016 at Southmead Hospital in Bristol after receiving an antipsychotic medication that his records indicated he should not have taken. An inquest found the prescription appropriate, but a 2020 independent review described the death as “potentially avoidable.” The case has been cited in broader NHS scrutiny of unauthorized record access, including incidents involving victims of the Southport and Nottingham attacks and a child injured in a Cambridge crocodile enclosure.
Findings and Data
The trust’s audit identified 653 instances of Oliver’s records being viewed or printed, while earlier figures reported 637 items viewed and 67 printed. The discrepancy reflects ongoing investigations that have not yet confirmed the final count of inappropriate accesses. Of 22 staff still employed by the trust, 15 accesses were deemed legitimate for clinical or operational reasons; the remaining accesses are still under review.
Official Responses
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust expressed deep regret for the additional distress caused to the McGowan family and emphasized its commitment to confidentiality. Professor Steven Hams, the trust’s chief nursing and improvement officer, said the organization had self-referred the matter to the Information Commissioner’s Office and would take appropriate action if misconduct is confirmed. Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS England, warned that any staff member who views patient records without a legitimate reason could face dismissal or even imprisonment.
Ongoing Issues and Impact
Paula McGowan, Oliver’s mother, described the revelations as a violation of her son’s privacy and called for decisive action, noting that the case appears part of a wider pattern of record-snooping within the NHS. The investigation remains open, and the trust’s forthcoming response to the October 2026 deadline will determine whether further disciplinary measures are taken.
