- NHS England chief executive Sir Jim Mackey has instructed hospital trusts to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards healthcare staff who unlawfully access confidential patient records.
- Under the new measures, staff suspected of improperly viewing medical files will face immediate suspension and have their access to NHS electronic systems revoked while investigations occur.
- Registered healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, who are found guilty of breaching patient privacy will be referred to regulators and face severe consequences, including being struck off.
- The strict crackdown follows several high-profile snooping incidents involving the victims of the Southport and Nottingham attacks, Oliver McGowan, and attempts to obtain the Princess of Wales's medical records.
- Sir Jim warned that unauthorised access severely undermines public trust in the health service, cautioning potential offenders that they risk ruining their careers and acquiring criminal records.
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