NHS Tayside is investigating allegations that staff accessed the medical records of a nine-year-old girl without clinical need or permission. The girl, Minnie Merriman from West Yorkshire, was discovered fatally injured on an industrial estate in Arbroath, Angus, early on Monday morning. She was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she was later pronounced dead.
Minnie's father, Christopher Rice, 35, has been charged with her murder. He appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court on Wednesday, where he did not enter a plea. Rice has been committed for further examination and remanded in custody, with a subsequent court appearance scheduled for next week.
A spokesperson for NHS Tayside confirmed the health board is investigating the alleged data breach. "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," the spokesperson stated. The health board declined to comment further on individual staffing matters.
If the data breach is substantiated, the matter may be escalated to the Information Commissioner's Office. This alleged incident follows other recent cases of alleged improper access to patient records by NHS staff. In June, an investigation was launched into claims that 40 NHS employees accessed the records of a three-year-old boy. Separately, 48 hospital workers were accused of inappropriately accessing the records of victims of an attack in Southport.
Minnie's family has released a statement through Police Scotland expressing their devastation over her loss. "We are devastated with the loss of our beloved, absolutely incredible, beautiful and brave Minnie Moo," the family said. "Our family asks that our privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time." Her mother, Laurie, shared a heartfelt social media post describing Minnie as her strength and expressing a deep, eternal connection.
Minnie and three other individuals were transported to the hospital following the incident on the industrial estate, where her family had been camping. Rice was also taken to the hospital separately. Tributes have been laid at the scene in Arbroath in memory of Minnie.