A 22-year-old man who fraudulently posed as a medical student to access hospital wards and patient records has been sentenced to 300 hours of community service. According to BBC News, Stephen Simpson carried out the deception at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary between 9 December 2023 and 26 January 2024, during which he gained unauthorised access to restricted areas while wearing medical scrubs, NHS branded clothing, a stethoscope and a pager.
At Aberdeen Sheriff Court, Sheriff Morag McLaughlin imposed the community service order alongside a two-year supervision requirement. The sheriff acknowledged that the offence's seriousness crossed the custody threshold, but concluded that imprisonment would be disproportionate given the circumstances and applicable sentencing guidelines.
Simpson's deception involved pretending to hospital employees that he was an authorised medical student. The Press and Journal reported that Simpson used the name of a genuine medical student to avoid detection, allowing him to remain in the hospital and access restricted areas, staff-only zones and wards containing patient files. He also admitted stealing NHS branded clothing, a pager and perfume from the hospital.
Simpson originally faced six charges—one count of fraud and five of theft. His legal representative, Laura Gracie, indicated last month that he would plead guilty to two amended charges, which he subsequently did at the sentencing hearing.
What was the impact on patients and staff?
NHS Grampian's inquiry found Simpson had not come into contact with patients and that no patients or staff were harmed during his time at the hospital. The deception came to light in early 2024 and prompted an internal investigation by NHS Grampian.
Does Simpson have a history of similar offences?
The Press and Journal reported that Simpson had previously received a two-year prison sentence for separate offences involving impersonation and theft targeting older and vulnerable people. This prior conviction appears to have been considered during sentencing for the hospital fraud.
Key facts
- Simpson gained access to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary by impersonating a medical student between December 2023 and January 2024
- He accessed restricted hospital areas and patient files while wearing medical scrubs and carrying hospital equipment
- NHS Grampian confirmed no patients or staff were harmed during the deception
- Simpson was sentenced to 300 hours community service and two years supervision
- He has a previous conviction for impersonation and theft targeting vulnerable people
