Sydney nurse accused of downloading patients' data in alleged 'breach of trust'

By CAITLIN POWELL - NEWS REPORTER Published: 03:27, 25 July 2026 | Updated: 03:27, 25 July 2026 A male registered nurse from northern Sydney has been charged after allegedly downloading the data of multiple patients.  Police received a report on Wednesday, July 22, that a NSW Health employee had allegedly accessed and downloaded patient information without authorisation.  Detectives launched an investigation under Strike Force Civic and, after inquiries, searched a home in Frenchs Forest at about 7.30pm the next day. During the operation, police seized several electronic devices which they allege contained patient information.  A 59-year-old man, who is employed by the Northern Sydney Local Health District, was arrested and taken to Manly Police Station.  He was charged with accessing or modifying restricted data held in a computer. The Northern Sydney Local Health District is understood to cover about 900sq km and includes six public hospitals.  The man was granted conditional bail to appear at Manly Local Court on August 19. A male registered nurse from northern Sydney has been charged after allegedly downloading the data of multiple patients (file image) Commander of Cybercrime Squad, Detective Superintendent Matt Craft, said police were alerted as soon as NSW Health identified the breach. 'The moment NSW Health alerted us to this breach, cybercrime squad detectives acted swiftly to seize the devices and recover the data,' he said. 'These devices are now being examined by specialists to determine whether there has been any further sharing of the data. 'Initial inquiries indicate the data, while being accessed illegally, appears to have been contained to the individual. 'Incidents such as this alleged access represent a clear breach of professional and community trust, and it will be treated with the utmost seriousness.' Det Supt Craft said police will continue to work collaboratively with NSW Health. Anyone with information that may assist investigations into cybercrime activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.  Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.