Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Data protection breach at drs surgery - compensation?

114 replies

peony90 · 07/05/2026 22:47

Hello

A few months ago, I was told by an acquaintance that a woman who she was friends with (who was in the year above me at school and in the same year as my Husband) had told her personal things on my medical record. She is a receptionist at the surgery I used to be at.

The acquaintance knew how many miscarriages I’d had (not a number you could just pluck out of nowhere), what medication I was taking and how I was hospitalised in a psychiatric unit and the woman in question called me a “psycho” and divulged highly sensitive information about an overdose I took after losing another pregnancy in 2021 as well as both of my parents unexpectedly.

This is being fully investigated and they’ve admitted and confirmed that there was a data protection breach (I’m guessing her staff log in was recorded as opening my medical records when she had no reason to) but I’m still waiting to hear of the full outcome.

I am devastated, embarrassed and upset and my aunt who works for the NHS has advised me to seek compensation once the investigation is completed.

I still suffer from anxiety and depression which is usually well controlled however since the birth of my 2nd DD 6 months ago, I have been suffering PND and this has really knocked me. My antidepressants have been put up to a higher dose and I’ve needed anti anxiety tablets for the first time since 2022.

What would you do?

Long term user, name changed.

OP posts:
TheSmallAssassin · 07/05/2026 23:10

Balloonhearts · 07/05/2026 23:03

Compensation for what? What material, financial loss have you suffered as a result of the breach?

Obviously this person should be sacked a d you should get an apology but you don't just get handed money because something upset you or shouldn't have happened. Compensation is just that. Recompense for a loss. What financial loss have you suffered and can you evidence it?

You've never heard of personal injury claims? Of course you can be compensated for pain and suffering, including for mental health.

whereswilson · 07/05/2026 23:09

Can criminal charges be bought against the person who performed the breach? Thats what I would be interested in too? Compensation could be used to pay for private therapy or psychiatrist, there is a wealth of threads on here saying NHS mental health care is not fit for purpose.

Castellio · 07/05/2026 23:09

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

MatchaTea1 · 07/05/2026 23:07

I don't think compensation is appropriate- the money would come from the NHS at the expense of something else and you don't appear to have lost anything financially. It would be enough for me to see this person sacked.

TheSmallAssassin · 07/05/2026 23:06

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Why shouldn't she be compensated? It's been a gross invasion of privacy and has caused her a great deal of upset and anxiety. The fines for breaching GDPR are huge and rightly so, reflecting the seriousness of this kind of offence, so I am really not sure why you don't think the OP deserves some recompense?

Balloonhearts · 07/05/2026 23:03

Compensation for what? What material, financial loss have you suffered as a result of the breach?

Obviously this person should be sacked a d you should get an apology but you don't just get handed money because something upset you or shouldn't have happened. Compensation is just that. Recompense for a loss. What financial loss have you suffered and can you evidence it?

Blimms · 07/05/2026 23:03

What had happened is appalling and she should lose her job.

I don’t think you should seek financial compensation.

meganorks · 07/05/2026 23:02

That's really disgusting and an absolutely awful thing for you to go through. For the receptionist to be reading it is bad enough, but to be gossiping about it is just horrendous. What sort of awful person would gossip about such personal information too? The fact that she has been so blasé about it makes me think you won't be the only victim. I assume she has been sacked?

I'm not normally on the side of seeking compensation unless its something really major. But I think this counts. But I think what I'd really want to know is that the person in question can't work in a medical setting again (not sure if thats possible) and what the surgery will do to ensure this can't happen again. Surely a receptionist shouldn't be able to access medical records??

AmyDudley · 07/05/2026 22:59

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

What a truly disgusting way to speak to somene who is suffering from anxiety and depression. You should be very ashamed of yourself.

Pistachiocake · 07/05/2026 22:58

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

She might be planning to donate it to Tommy's, or another miscarriage charity. When my mum was hurt in hospital, she thought of sueing to make sure it was taken seriously, but she would have given every penny to a cancer charity.

Hyperbowl · 07/05/2026 22:57

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Disgraceful comment, absolutely shameless.

tinyladybird · 07/05/2026 22:56

Firstly I'm sorry so to hear everything that you have went through and now having to deal with this.
Did she honestly not think this would get back to you? What a horrible person effectively kicking someone when they're down. I'd assume she has likely looked up others as well.
Whilst it's not the fault of the GP practice that she is a nosy cow, I'd probably speak to a solicitor to see what they think in the first instance to see if you have a case. Honestly I'd hope she loses her job, karma has a way of dealing with such folk.

Castellio · 07/05/2026 22:55

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Carrottttttttts · 07/05/2026 22:53

Sorry that’s terrible

But will compensation not be offered after the instigation?

Swipe left for the next trending thread