A medical student in Guernsey has been accused of illegally accessing the personal data of 46 patients which is believed to have happened whilst she was working at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.
Rebecca Elliot, 35, appeared at the Magistrates’ Court this morning charged with eight offences relating to the island’s Data Protection Laws.
She spoke only to confirm her name and address and has not yet submitted a formal plea.
It is alleged her offending took place over the course of six years from October 2019 to October 2025.
During that period, it is understood she obtained the data “knowingly or recklessly, without the consent of the data controller.”
The States of Guernsey have confirmed she has been suspended as a member of staff following the active investigation into her conduct.
Elaine Burgess, Director of Care Delivery, said: “We have notified the affected individuals and offered support, informed the Office of the Data Protection Authority and referred the matter to the police.
“We recognise how upsetting and unsettling this incident has been for those affected, however, as this matter is now before the courts, we cannot comment further to avoid prejudicing active legal proceedings.”
The Office for Data Protection say they are unable to comment on this live investigation, however, have confirmed that they have been made aware of the breach.
Ms Elliot will next appear in court on 9 March.