A HEALTH board is investigating an “alleged data breach” following claims staff accessed the medical records of a nine-year-old girl allegedly murdered in Arbroath.
Minnie Merriman, from West Yorkshire, was found just after midnight on Monday at the Elliot industrial estate in the Angus town while her family were camping in the area.
She was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she later died.
Her father Christopher Rice, 35, was later charged with her murder.
The hospital is investigating claims staff accessed Minnie’s medical records without clinical need or permission.
Ninewells Hospital is managed by NHS Tayside.
A spokesperson for the health board 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.
“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.
“It would not be appropriate for us to comment further on individual staffing matters.”
During a hearing at Forfar Sheriff Court on Wednesday, Rice did not enter a plea and was committed for further examination and remanded in custody.
Minnie’s family had earlier paid tribute to her in a statement released through Police Scotland.
They 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.”
