NHS Worker Told Woman She Had Cancer Before Diagnosis

A woman in Cornwall was informed she had cancer by a hospital employee who accessed her medical records, days before her consultant confirmed the diagnosis. Pippa Boardman, from Lostwithiel, said she received a phone call from a man she knew through sport, who told her: "Pippa, I don't want you to worry, but you've got cancer" ^[1].

Boardman, who is now recovering from breast cancer, said the incident caused deep emotional distress and a profound loss of dignity and privacy. She said she did not receive an apology from the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust until after the BBC contacted them ^[1].

The trust confirmed the staff member had legitimate access to her records as part of their duties but admitted the call was outside their role. It stated: "This should not have happened and we recognise the distress and concern it will have caused" ^[1].

The incident is part of a broader pattern of NHS data breaches. Health Secretary Yvette Cooper has described recent cases as a "disgrace" ^[1]. The trust said it took appropriate action following an immediate investigation and is reviewing policies in light of updated NHS England guidance on inappropriate access to patient data.

Boardman said she struggled to understand why the hospital was unwilling to provide details about the staff member, citing the individual’s rights. She said it took courage to complain and questioned where her rights were in the situation ^[1].

She expressed concern that others could face similar trauma and wants to prevent future breaches. The trust reiterated it was "truly sorry" about how the situation unfolded and stressed that staff access must remain strictly work-related ^[1].

Other recent NHS data breaches include incidents involving a tiger attack victim and a child named Noah Woods, with multiple staff members dismissed in related cases ^[1].