The incident on 18 August affected a database containing maternity records relating to women and babies who received care between September 2011 and November 2022. 

Andy Callow, chief digital and information officer at NUH, said: ‘I am sorry for the concern and distress this incident may cause to women and families affected. 

‘On 18 August 2026, a human error during a routine technical process resulted in a maternity records database being unintentionally overwritten. We took immediate action to investigate the incident and recover the affected information. 

‘The information needed to support patient care has been restored and there has been no impact on current maternity services or the care provided to women and babies today. However, to date, we have been unable to fully restore the historical record showing who viewed maternity records between September 2011 and November 2022. 

‘We have informed the Information Commissioner's Office, completed a full investigation and strengthened our processes and controls to help prevent a similar incident from happening again.'

Police investigation

NUH remains the subject of a police investigation following publication of the Ockenden Review in June which found ‘deep-rooted, systemic and sustained' failures at the service.

Deputy chief constable Rob Griffin, Gold Commander for Operation Perth, said: ‘At present, no crime has been identified. We have received a report from the individual concerned and have spoken with them. Further assessment is ongoing, and we are awaiting analysis of the digital process that was used.'

Griffin said the force expected to complete a review of folders gained from the Ockenden review concerning 'significant' or 'major' concerns by early 2027.

He added a corporate manslaughter and misconduct in a public office into the trust's mortuary services remained ongoing.