NHS staff are being investigated for allegedly snooping on the medical records of ‘murdered’ schoolgirl Minnie Merriman.
Nine-year-old Minnie passed away at Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital after being found fatally hurt at the Elliot Industrial Estate in the town where she was camping with her family.
The youngster’s dad Christopher Rice, 35, has been charged with her murder and appeared in court yesterday.
However it has emerged that NHS Tayside is investigating claims that staff working at the hospital accessed the child’s medical records without permission or clinical need.
If proven, the alleged data breach could be escalated to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
A spokesperson for NHS Tayside said: “NHS Tayside is currently investigating the circumstances of an alleged data breach which happened in a working clinical area where staff access patient information.
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“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 (ICO).
“It would not be appropriate for us to comment further on individual staffing matters.”
Minnie’s Dad Christopher Rice appeared in the dock on Wednesday at Forfar Sheriff Court charged with her murder.
He made no plea to the single charge and was remanded in custody.
He is due to appear in court again next week.
Three other people – whose ages are not known – were also taken to hospital on Monday.
Rice was taken to the same hospital separately but was later taken into custody before being charged.
News of the alleged breach will bring added trauma to Mnnie’s family who have paid tribute to their “incredible, beautiful and brave” girl.
Minnie’s heartbroken mum, Laurie Eve Merriman, paid tribute to her daughter, saying: “You have always and will continue being my strength, we are connected eternally, I have never felt a love so deep and a connection so strong.
“My first true love, my twin, I am connected to you in life and in death and my girl that cannot be broken.
“I will fight to stay strong for your little brothers, I will hold my head high knowing you will always be holding my hand for the rest of my life.
“I will see you again that I know for sure. I love you eternally.”
In a statement to police, the family said: “We are devastated with the loss of our beloved, absolutely incredible, beautiful and brave Minnie Moo.
“Our family asks that our privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.”
Minnie’s death has stunned the Arbroath community and sparked an outpouring of grief.
Tributes, teddies and flowers have swamped the site where she was found fatally injured as locals struggle to take in the tragic event.
Items left at the scene included a plush strawberry, a Hello Kitty toy and a sketchbook.