The parents of Michaela Hall say they were devastated to learn staff at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust accessed her digital medical records repeatedly over several years, with one employee viewing the file seven times, including twice on her birthday. The trust apologised, launched an internal investigation and said disciplinary action could follow, but has not referred the case to police. The Halls are pursuing civil action against police and probation services and demand clarity on who viewed the records and why.
Murder Victim's Medical Records Viewed Repeatedly — Family Demands Answers
Peter Hall said one member of staff accessed his daughters records on seven separate occasions [BBC]
The parents of Michaela Hall say they are devastated after staff at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) repeatedly accessed her digital medical records without authorisation. Michaela, 49, of Mount Hawke, north Cornwall, was murdered by her partner Lee Kendall in 2021; Kendall was later sentenced to a minimum of 21 years in prison.
Audit Reveals Multiple Unauthorised Accesses
RCHT informed the Hall family that a routine audit found access to Michaela's electronic patient record on multiple occasions over several years. One member of staff opened the file seven times, including twice on what would have been Michaela's birthday. The trust apologised and said a full internal investigation is under way.
The Family's Reaction
Peter Hall said the family wants clear answers and has asked for the matter to be referred to police. He said:
"What's disturbing is that person accessed her record twice on what would have been Michaela's birthday. We would like to find out what they were looking for, what they found and what they have done with that information."
Michaela's mother, Anne Hall, added:
"I cannot understand why somebody would want to do this to my daughter and to us. It's caused a terrible upset to all of us. Michaela is dead, she's defenceless, she can't stand up for herself so it's down to Peter and I to do it for her."
Trust Response and Wider Context
Alison Thorne-Henderson, the trust's chief people officer, said RCHT had written to the family after the routine audit and that the trust is "sincerely sorry this has happened." She confirmed a full investigation and that the disciplinary process will be followed, with "appropriate action taken." The trust said it was reviewing policies to align with new NHS England guidance and had reminded staff of their duty to protect patient information. RCHT added the audit provided no evidence the accesses were for a criminal purpose and therefore did not meet its criteria for referral to police, though it is seeking further advice, including on whether former staff should be investigated.
Legal Action And National Concerns
The Halls are also pursuing civil legal action against Devon and Cornwall Police and the probation service, arguing that more should have been done to protect Michaela before her death. The case comes amid wider concern across the NHS about inappropriate access to patient records. In a separate incident, 10 staff at another trust were suspended or removed from duty after a data breach involving the records of a three-year-old, Noah Woods, who was found dead after going missing. NHS England chief executive Sir Jim Mackey has ordered trusts to take tougher measures, warning that staff who improperly access records "may lose their career and could end up with a criminal record."
RCHT said it will continue to investigate and take action as required, and the Hall family continue to seek answers about who viewed Michaela's records and why.
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