Ambulance Staff Accused of 'Morbid Curiosity' in Southport Attack Survivor Record Access
North West Ambulance Service investigates potential breaches after families claim staff viewed sensitive medical data without cause.
Image: Matt Weston / AI
Sarah Connor
Ambulance staff may have accessed the medical records of a teenage survivor from the July 29, 2024, Southport attack, prompting a formal investigation by the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS).
The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) confirmed it is not formally disciplining staff but strengthened its human resources processes following the potential breach.
The service also notified the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) regarding the matter, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
A March 2025 report by the NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group (UHLG), which operates Aintree Hospital, first revealed the potential breach at NWAS.
This revelation follows the UHLG's prior admission of inappropriate record access by its own staff, indicating a broader, troubling issue within the healthcare system.
The family of a teenage survivor states ambulance staff checked the survivor's records, expressing concern over the motive.
They assert the decision to share what happened to their daughter should have been hers; now no one can guarantee what data was shared or retained.
Adding to the concerns, the family also states the Trusts only informed them of the breach after a journalist inquired about the situation, raising significant questions about transparency.
The decision to share what happened to their daughter should have been hers; now no one can guarantee what data was shared or retained.
Meanwhile, Fletchers Solicitors, representing 22 of the 23 girls who survived the attack, states fewer than 10 individuals may have inappropriately accessed incident details within the ambulance service.
The father of an injured girl echoed the survivor's family, stating some ambulance staff viewed photographs of his daughter's injuries.
He specifically states staff from North West Ambulance Service may have accessed his daughter’s records without cause, not to check on her condition.
Nicola Ryan-Donnelly, an Associate Solicitor at Fletchers Solicitors, asserts a deep-rooted culture of snooping exists within the NHS.
Ryan-Donnelly states seriously injured or dying individuals should not face the added worry of being pried upon while fighting for their lives.
She points to the Nottingham attack victims, whose records NHS staff accessed; those staff were dismissed only after an inquiry and public outrage, drawing a stark historical parallel.
This strategic shift follows Ryan-Donnelly's assertion that delays in informing victims of the breach allowed several staff members to move on from their jobs before facing sanctions, highlighting a systemic flaw.
She describes the behavior by these NHS workers as 'staggering' and deserving of more than a 'slap on the wrist,' demanding stronger accountability.
Seriously injured or dying individuals should not face the added worry of being pried upon while fighting for their lives. The behavior by these NHS workers is 'staggering' and deserving of more than a 'slap on the wrist.'
Beyond the legal debate, Ryan-Donnelly expresses concern that the government's plan to introduce a Single Patient Record could open floodgates, giving any NHS worker access to victims of serious incidents.
She demands clear assurances that the government will protect patients by introducing robust mechanisms, ensuring only clinicians with legitimate reasons can access patient records.
The system can no longer operate as a 'free-for-all' without serious sanctions to deter NHS staff from snooping, Ryan-Donnelly asserts, pushing for immediate policy changes.
The North West Ambulance Service stated it identified concerns about potential inappropriate access and is formally investigating the matter.
The NWAS confirmed it will contact affected families and patients as inquiries progress, adding that any inappropriate access to patient information will be treated with extreme seriousness.
The service expressed deep sorrow for the concern and distress this situation may cause, acknowledging the profound impact on the victims and their families.