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Ethical dilemmas

Should I complain after a nurse shared my 16-year-old's medical details?

707 replies

Midglet · 29/08/2026 10:00

My 16yr old had an incident this week that required medical intervention. They didn’t want people, even immediate family and close relatives, to know until they had underwent the operation and we respected those wishes. However a theatre nurse recognised their name and before my child was even under anaesthetic, the nurse had texted a distant relative of ours and divulged that not only was our child in for an operation , but the nature of such. The child was in theatre for four hours but within twenty mins of them being taken in the distant relative , who doesn’t have our mobile numbers, then started calling the hospital demanding details of our child’s prognosis and treatment. Thankfully we had been tipped off very quickly as the relative started contacting other family members ( who themselves weren’t aware of the situation until they themselves contacted us to see what was happening) and were able to request staff to refrain from divulging such. After several failed attempts the relative then turned up at the hospital and demanded access to our child, by which point they were out of surgery. The ward staff asked our 16 yr old ( with us present) if they would like the relative to gain access and our child immediately burst into tears with the thought …the relative is particularly difficult at the best of times and the children try to avoid all contact by their own choice . Thankfully again the staff were able to refuse the relative entry into the ward (Although our child is 16 and should have been in the adult wards a lack of beds had resulted in them being housed in the children’s ward with better security) . Anyway I am sitting stewing about the actions of this initial theatre nurse divulging private medical information to a third party . I know this is a huge breach of confidence and I hope such would be a disciplinary if I was to raise a complaint but I don’t know if I should . The nurse is a friend of the relative hence why she reached out and my family are divided as whether to take action as it will cause trouble within the wider family. Hubby thinks I should just forget it to keep the peace but I think the theatre nurse should be made aware her actions were totally unacceptable. I’ve never complained about anything before . Your thoughts would be appreciated !

OP posts:
Therescathairinmybath · 29/08/2026 15:36

Yes, you have to report this. Your child needs to know that you will always stand up for her and protect her. Your husband shouldn’t have to be told that your DD and her well-being is the only priority here but clearly it needs spelling out to him.

This was an extremely serious and deliberate breach of patient confidentiality which caused huge distress to your DD. I hope DD is recovering well.

JoshLymanSwagger · 29/08/2026 15:38

Put a complaint in today.

She should know better.

Heyheyitsanotherday · 29/08/2026 15:38

this is disgraceful and an absolute breech of practice. 100% complain directly to the hospital. As a nurse I am appalled. Please don’t let them get away with it. They’ll do it again!

Heyheyitsanotherday · 29/08/2026 15:40

I’m furious about this still and can’t believe the nurse was so stupid and so lacking in professionalism. Please please report this to the hospital. Absolutely disgusting behaviour

TamarindCottage · 29/08/2026 15:41

This is a grievous breach of GDPR Regulations. Report asap

AprilMizzel · 29/08/2026 15:47

I'd report because where does it end otherwise - will it be done to more family members in the future if this nurse may come across them.

The nurse should have know this was wrong form the off any come back is consquences she should have known and forseen.

LivingMyLifeWithKindness · 29/08/2026 15:49

In the circumstances you describe, I would explore reporting this.

Leavin4 · 29/08/2026 15:51

You absolutely should raise a formal complaint. This is a very serious matter and should result in disciplinary action for the nurse involved.
If you are in the UK most hospitals have details of how to complain on their webpage.

DarkLion · 29/08/2026 15:53

I’m a nurse and she’s completely stupid to risk her career in such a way. I understand you might have doubts about reporting but people like this give the profession a bad reputation and I’d be thinking about future patients she might do this to

Weeellokthen · 29/08/2026 15:55

That nurse knows the data protection rules, full well. She would have had to sign off upon doing a course that she understood said rules.
This is on her.

Peahol · 29/08/2026 15:55

Oh no, now is your time to rage and go all out on complaints and report.

This could potentially be a major GDPR violation. Not only that she put your child who was already in a vulnerable position into an even worse position and caused a security risk. She endangered your child

also she should immediately be removed from your child’s care.

Do not keep quiet. Please speak to the hospital, patient advocates and report it.

CoconutQueen · 29/08/2026 15:55

100% you must report this. She will do it again if she has done it once. This is very serious and you have a responsibility to report - she is probably blabbing about other stuff too if she has done that. Hope your child has made a full recovery; how horrible for this to happen.

SurferRona · 29/08/2026 15:57

@Midglet Complain straight to NMC, this nurse should be struck off on these facts. Copy to the hospital Chief exec.

Unacceptable. Completely. A total breach of the very basic fundamental privacy around our health data.

Newyearawaits · 29/08/2026 15:58

I am totally amazed that a Registered nurse (or any member of NHS staff) would do this.
It is most likely a sackable offence with subsequent referral to the NMC

TipsyWriter · 29/08/2026 15:58

I’m not usually one to comment but you should 100% report this. The nurse knew it was wrong and chose to do it anyway.

Tiredhotmess · 29/08/2026 16:00

This is a massive breach of the nursing code of conduct and should absolutely be reported! That nurse had no right whatsoever to divulge personal medical information to a third party and deserves whatever disciplinary action comes her way!
I hope your child has made a good recovery and that your relative's actions have not traumatised them too much.

Delphiniumandlupins · 29/08/2026 16:00

I am shocked you are hesitating and that your DH thinks you shouldn't report, to keep the peace. You can separate the nurse's behaviour from your relative's if that is easier for you, although both were entirely unreasonable.

jumpjump34562 · 29/08/2026 16:00

This is a struck off nursing register type offence

Elsvieta · 29/08/2026 16:03

Of course report. Although I would hope a 16yo would have the nous to report it themselves, if they didn't have parents who had their back. Don't you think they will, if you don't?

A teen should know that this isn't allowed, that they can report it if it happens, and that they don't need their father's permission. If your child doesn't know that, tell them.

Fireflybaby · 29/08/2026 16:05

I work in NHS and have access to lots of confidential data. I wouldn't think in a million years to divulge any kind of personal or sentive information to anyone, not even if it was about my husband or best friend or neighbour. We are regularly trained in GDPR and information governance and it's not allowed. Full stop. Not allowed. It's a breach of confidentiality and you should definitely complain. Staff need to learn that this is not ok.

Missingmymeds · 29/08/2026 16:06

Definitely complain ..100%

longandgreen · 29/08/2026 16:16

Oh I hope she gets her arse kicked out and banned for ever from nursing.

What a total unprofessional weirdo.

Complain

Mumtryingtolivethedream · 29/08/2026 16:17

Advocate for your child by reporting this show them this isnt acceptable and that you are protecting their best interests

longandgreen · 29/08/2026 16:18

She must be sacked

Thissideof40 · 29/08/2026 16:20

Totally unacceptable and needs reporting. She could do it again and what if the next person is in hiding from DV which then puts them in danger?