Key facts
- Oliver McGowan, an 18-year-old autistic and epileptic patient, died in November 2016.
- His medical records have been accessed hundreds of times by NHS staff since his death.
- At least one doctor, no longer employed by the trust, accessed his records in March 2026 without a legitimate reason.
- Three current NHS staff members are under formal investigation for accessing his records without a clear clinical or operational reason.
- Oliver's mother, Paula McGowan, described the access as a "violation" and expressed disgust at the lack of respect for her son's privacy.
- A 2020 review found Oliver's death was "potentially avoidable".
An investigation is underway into NHS staff after it emerged that the medical records of an 18-year-old who died in 2016 were accessed hundreds of times by staff, with at least one instance deemed inappropriate. Oliver McGowan, who was autistic and had epilepsy, died in November 2016 after doctors at Southmead hospital in Bristol gave him an antipsychotic medication, despite medical records showing he had an intolerance to such drugs. He had a rare reaction, developed severe brain swelling, and died weeks later.
An inquest into his death found the medication was appropriately prescribed, but a 2020 independent review commissioned by the NHS found his death was "potentially avoidable". Following years of campaigning by Oliver's parents, Paula and Tom, new legislation was introduced in November 2022 to ensure all NHS staff have mandatory training for caring for patients with autism and learning disabilities in hospital.
Oliver's parents revealed that his medical records have been accessed hundreds of times by staff and, on at least one occasion, inappropriately by a doctor earlier this year. Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, is investigating more than a dozen NHS workers. One doctor, who is no longer an employee of the trust, accessed his records in March 2026 without a legitimate reason and referred themselves to the General Medical Council. Ms McGowan described the revelations as a "violation", stating, "Oliver was failed horrifically. The treatment he received led to his death."
In July, NHS England chief executive Sir Jim Mackey said any unauthorised staff member who views patient medical records would face dismissal, describing the action as a "disgraceful breach of patient trust and against the law". The trust's probe found that 38 people had accessed Oliver's records since his death, with 637 items viewed and 67 printed off. Most access was appropriate and linked to complaints, legal proceedings, and the coroner's inquest. However, three nursing staff not involved in his care are currently under formal investigation, as their initial inquiries found no evidence they had a legitimate reason to view the records. Another member of staff is having their case reviewed separately. One nurse reportedly wanted to view the files out of general interest in antipsychotic drugs and the care of patients with a learning disability. The trust is also looking into 13 other cases involving former staff.