Statement: NUH data loss | Latest news

We have identified an issue regarding the accidental loss of some data, which we have taken steps to recover.  We are sharing the below details in the interests of openness and transparency.

Background

On 18 August 2026, during routine technical work, an error occurred while creating a copy of a radiotherapy database for reporting purposes. 

The process used a set of pre-written computer instructions that had previously been used for a different hospital system. A setting that should have been changed before the process was run was missed. As a result, the process was carried out on a maternity database instead of the radiotherapy database, causing the maternity records database to be overwritten. 

This was the result of human error during a routine technical task. As soon as the issue was identified, immediate action was taken to investigate what had happened, assess any impact and begin recovery work. 

What was the impact? 

The affected database contained maternity records relating to women and babies who received care between September 2011 and November 2022.  These were from our previous maternity database (Medway).

Testing to date has shown that we have restored the information needed to support patient care. This means that clinical information, including notes, observations, test results and other information recorded as part of a person's care, remains available. 

However, we have not been able to restore the complete history showing who viewed maternity records during this period.  As a result, in most cases, we may be unable to confirm whether a maternity record was viewed by a particular person between September 2011 and November 2022. 

Importantly, information about current maternity patients has not been affected, and this incident does not impact care being provided by our maternity services today. 

No patient information was accessed or used inappropriately as a result of this incident. 

What actions were taken? 

• The issue was escalated within minutes of being identified. 
• We worked with external specialists and reviewed other sources of information to recover as much data as possible. This work allowed us to restore the information needed for patient care. 
• The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) was notified within the required reporting timeframe.  We have also notified Nottinghamshire Police who are undertaking an assessment of any impact on Operation Perth.
• A full patient safety incident investigation has been completed, and we have taken steps to strengthen our technical controls and processes to help prevent a similar incident from happening again.

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.”