Woman charged after NHS patients’ records accessed in data breach

A woman has been charged after patients had their private medical records accessed during an NHS data breach.

Reports suggest around 100 people could have had their records accessed as a result of the incident.

NHS Lothian said it discovered patients in the region may have had their information “inappropriately accessed” during routine monitoring.

It said affected patients have been contacted.

Dr Tracey Gillies, medical director of the health board, said: “Routine monitoring suggested that patient records had been accessed inappropriately and an immediate investigation was launched.

“Appropriate action has been taken. Patients were contacted to make them aware and the incident was reported to Police Scotland and the Information Commissioner’s Office. We do not comment on individual members of staff.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On Tuesday, September 16 2025, we received a report regarding a data breach in the Edinburgh area.

“A woman has been charged in connection, and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”