The NHS is one of the UK’s most trusted institutions. We turn to it in our most vulnerable moments – expecting care, compassion, and confidentiality. But recent data breaches are making many of us ask: is our health data truly safe?
The answer, worryingly, seems to be no.
A pattern of serious breaches
In just the past few years, we’ve seen several high-profile incidents:
Advanced NHS software breach (2022)
Criminals targeted software used to manage patient records, appointment bookings, and emergency services. It forced mental health trusts and 111 services into chaos, and patient data was potentially exposed. A £3 million fine was recently handed out for this health-related data breach. But here’s the twist: if your data was exposed, you won’t see a penny of it. If you think your data was exposed in the Advanced breach, register for updates, and we’ll let you know if a compensation claim is launched.
NHS data breach 2024 (Synnovis ransomware attack)
On 3 June 2024, NHS pathology provider Synnovis fell victim to a ransomware cyberattack. This devastating breach compromised many of Synnovis’ IT systems, leading to the exposure of 400GB of sensitive personal data. The stolen data includes patient names, dates of birth, NHS numbers, and descriptions of blood tests. Results may also have been breached. Data protection lawyers have since launched legal actions against the NHS for failing to protect patients’ sensitive medical records.
NHS cyberattack 2025 (Ivanti cyberhack)
Two of the UK’s leading NHS trusts – University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust – have been named in connection with a serious cyberattack that may have compromised patient and staff data. Details are still emerging, but the breach has sparked fears over patient safety. We have spoken to lawyers who are currently investigating a potential group legal action. If you think you might be eligible to join a claim, check your eligibility now.
These aren’t isolated events. They suggest a deeper vulnerability in the NHS’s digital infrastructure – one that hackers are increasingly willing to exploit.
Who is responsible for NHS data breaches?
Cybercriminals are getting smarter. But underfunded IT systems, ageing infrastructure, and fragmented cybersecurity approaches create the perfect storm. And when third-party providers are involved, the risk can increase. A single weak link puts millions at risk.
NHS data privacy risks: What you can do
It’s not fair that the burden falls on patients, but knowing your rights is the first step.
If your data has been compromised, Join the Claim helps people like you take action. We’ll explain your options, check your eligibility, and connect you with trusted UK law firms. You don’t need to navigate it alone.
Find out more about live claims you may be eligible to join on our website.
