Medical Records: Data Protection
2026-06-30 · Department of Health and Social Care · HL1531 · Official question
Question
To ask His Majesty's Government how many instances of patients’ medical records being accessed (1) inappropriately, and (2) illegally, have been recorded in NHS Trusts in England where digital records are kept in the last two years for which figures exist
Answer
1,445 cases of inappropriate access have been reported to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) between 2019 to 2025. Medical records are accessed all the time by staff with a legitimate need to deliver the best possible care. Inappropriate access i...