By Islam El-Sakka
Two NHS staff members at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital have been suspended after a retrospective audit found they inappropriately accessed the medical records of victims from the 2024 Southport stabbing attack. The hospital said the cases were detected during an audit and the employees were placed on precautionary suspension while an investigation continues.
Previous breach at Aintree Hospital
In May, the Health Service Journal reported that nearly 50 staff at University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, which runs Aintree Hospital, had also inappropriately viewed survivors’ files. The group confirmed the breach at the time.
Ambulance service investigation
A separate investigation is underway at North West Ambulance Service Trust regarding staff who looked up the victims’ records without authorization.
Southport attack background
The attack occurred during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at Hart Space in 2024. Axel Rudakubana killed three children — Bebe King, 6; Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7; and Alice Da Silva Aguiar, 9 — and injured eight other children and two adults, including class helper Leanne Lucas and businessman John Haynes.
Hospital response
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital reported the latest incidents to the Information Commissioner’s Office and the Care Quality Commission. Medical director Manoj Kuduvalli apologized, stating that patient trust had been violated and that staff must only access records for legitimate care reasons.
