'Data breach' at hospital investigated over claims Minnie Merriman's medical records were accessed

Handout photo of Minnie Merriman smiling, while sitting on a bench outside

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.

It has been has reported the hospital is investigating claims staff accessed Minnie’s medical records without clinical need or permission.

Minnie was found injured on an industrial estate in Arbroath and later died in hospital (PA)

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.”

In the wake of the incident, local politicians expressed shock and offered their thoughts to the girl’s family.

Lloyd Melville, the SNP MSP for Angus South, said: “I very much hope the family receive the support they need from the police, and my thoughts remain with them as they face this awful tragedy.”

Lois Speed, who represents the Arbroath East and Lunan ward at Angus Council, said the incident had left people “shocked,” describing it as “heartbreaking.”

She said: “I think everybody is just feeling at a loss for words, because it is just devastating. I have not spoken to anyone directly but [from] the social media shares and comments, everyone is just shocked and saddened.

“I think everyone's thoughts are with those directly impacted, the wee girl, her family and everyone close. Everyone will be thinking of them and how difficult this must be.”

Ms Speed added: “Arbroath is a close community. In the past when there have been tragic events, everyone gets around and supports each other.”

Her fellow Arbroath councillor, Jack Cruickshanks, described the death of the young girl as a “profound tragedy.”

He said: “My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones as they face an unimaginable loss.”

On Monday morning, a police forensics tent was set up at the Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath, with a cordon put in place next to the Halliburton manufacturing facility. Many floral tributes have been left at the scene.