Medics from Salford Royal Hospital allegedly accessed Sir Alex Ferguson’s medical records illegally when he was fighting for his life
A group of medics are being investigated after they allegedly spied on Sir Alex Ferguson out of ‘personal curiosity’ when he was fighting for his life in hospital.
Two doctors and a senior medical consultant reportedly accessed the former football manager’s medical records illegally when he was admitted to Salford Royal Hospital in May.
Sir Alex had undergone emergency surgery after suffering a brain haemorrhage.
It is believed at least two nurses are also being questioned following an audit of the hospital’s computer system.
Investigators suspect the medics, none of whom were involved in Sir Alex’s care, were viewing his medical records out of personal curiosity, the Sunday Times reported.
The staff members involved would be in breach of both patient confidentiality and data protection laws if the allegations are proven to be true.
Representatives for Salford Royal, in Greater Manchester, reportedly contacted Sir Alex, 76, to apologise ‘unreservedly to the patient and their family.’
Dr Chris Brookes, chief medical officer for the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, said: ‘Investigations are ongoing to determine if the individuals have accessed a patient’s record electronically without a clinical requirement or authorisation to do so.’
The former Manchester United manager was placed in an induced coma at Salford Royal after he suffered a brain haemorrhage in May.
He underwent emergency surgery before being discharged in June to continue his recovery at home with his family.
It is believed at least two nurses are also being questioned following an audit of the Salford Royal Hcomputer system
The former manager’s first words when he came around were to ask how his son Darren’s football team had got on while he was undergoing surgery.
Doncaster Rovers had, unfortunately, lost 1-0 to Wigan earlier that day.
The football legend later released a video message thanking staff at the hospital.
He said: ‘Believe me, without those people who gave me such great care I would not be sitting here today.
‘So thank you from me and my family.’
The case has now been referred to the Information Commissioner’s Officer for further investigation into the potential data breach.