Doctors ‘hacked into Sir Alex’s medical records’ as he lay ill
THREE doctors allegedly hacked into Sir Alex Ferguson’s medical records while he was fighting for life in hospital.
The medics – one of them a senior consultant – are now under investigation amid claims they illegally accessed the Scot’s confidential notes out of curiosity.
Two nurses are also being looked at as part of the inquiry.
Glasgow-born Sir Alex, 76, needed emergency brain surgery in May.
In July, after his release from hospital, the football legend praised the medical staff who had almost certainly saved his life.
But it was reported last night that Salford Royal Hospital had contacted the former Manchester United and Aberdeen manager and ‘apologised unreservedly to the patient and their family’ for the security breach.
Concerns were raised during a computer system audit at Salford Royal.
Dr Chris Brookes, chief medical officer for the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, which runs the hospital, 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.’
Police are not believed to be involved but if the allegations are proven, the medical staff would be in breach of patient confidentiality and data protection laws and could be struck off.
Sir Alex, who watched his old club draw 2-2 with Southampton yesterday, left hospital in June. In a video message thanking medical staff, he said: ‘Believe me, without those people who gave me such great care, I would not be sitting here today.’
He told MUTV: ‘It’s been a long journey and I’m gradually making steps forward, doing what my son tells me and what the doctors tell me, so, yeah, I’m feeling really good.’
Asked about the messages of support he had received, Sir Alex said: ‘It was unbelievable. There were thousands of cards... the number of emails, texts and personal cards to the house, it was just amazing.’