Patient stabs nurse in hospital car park

ANURSE is in a serious condition after she was reportedly stabbed by a patient in a hospital car park.

Emergency services were called to Ailsa Hospital in North Ayrshire at around 10am yesterday after the woman was attacked.

She is currently receiving treatment in hospital but her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Police Scotland initially locked down the hospital and surrounding area while searches were carried out but it re-opened around 1pm.

A force spokesman said: “The injured woman was taken to Ayr Hospital for treatment.

“Her injuries are described by hospital medical staff as being serious but stable. Her relatives have been made aware.

“The car park of Ailsa Hospital remains closed as police inquiries are ongoing. The remainder of the hospital is open to staff and patients.”

Ayr MSP John Scott raised the incident at First Minister’s Questions (FMQs) in the Scottish Parliament, saying: “I understand a nurse has been stabbed by a patient.”

Nicola Sturgeon said she was receiving reports about the incident as she entered the chamber for FMQs.

She said: “Our understanding is that injuries sustained by a nurse are not life-threatening injuries and that police are fully involved in this incident.

“Obviously, the safety of staff and patients is of the utmost importance.”

NHS Ayrshire and Arran earlier said no patients, staff or visitors would be able to leave the site but some restrictions were later relaxed.

Billy McClean, associate director for the health board, added: “We are assisting Police Scotland with their investigations.”