A north Cumbria nurse has appeared in court accused of using an NHS computer system to illegally access patient records.
A barrister representing Gemma Weber told a court today she vehemently and robustly denies any wrongdoing.
Weber, aged 44, of Greensyke Court, Cumdivock, near Dalston, faces a total of 15 charges.
All allege that she knowingly or recklessly obtained personal data at Carlisle.
Thirteen charges allege that she did this during a period of just over 15 months — between 3rd January, 2020, and 10th April, 2021. The two remaining charges allege that she did so on specific dates: on 18 October, 2018; and on 30 January, 2021.
Weber appeared at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court this afternoon and said she was pleading not guilty to all 15 charges. She also spoke to confirm her name, date of birth and address.
Outlining the case against her, prosecutor Peter Bardsley alleged: “Essentially the defendant was working for the NHS as a nurse at the time. The allegation is that she has accessed an NHS computer system, accessing patient records, without any need to do that.”
Weber’s barrister, Matthew Simpson, said in response: “Ms Weber vehemently and robustly denies the offences, and fully intends to contest the matters at trial.”
After hearing submissions, magistrates concluded that they could retain jurisdiction of the case.
As is her legal right, Weber elected to stand trial before a crown court jury.
She is due to appear in front of a judge at Carlisle Crown for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 19th August. In the meantime she was granted unconditional bail.
*It was not said during the 10-minute hearing where exactly Weber is employed.
