NURSE HELD IN POISON PROBE AT STROKE UNIT
Woman suspended amid ‘mistreatment’ allegations
A NURSE has been arrested on suspicion of poisoning patients.
The woman, who has not been named, has been suspended after staff raised concerns about the alleged mistreatment and neglect of patients in a stroke unit.
She was arrested last week and bailed until December 6. Concerns were first raised at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Lancs, earlier this month.
Lancashire Police said yesterday: “We are investigating allegations of mistreatment and neglect by a healthcare professional.
“She was arrested on suspicion of administering any poison or noxious thing with the intent to injure and ill treatment or wilful neglect.”
Det Chief Insp Jill Johnston said: “The inquiry is complicated, and we have a team of specialist detectives working on this case who are also offering support to those families who have had loved ones identified as potentially being involved.”
Wendy Swift, chief executive of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “A healthcare professional has been suspended.
“When the concerns were raised, we immediately contacted the police.
“The Trust is co-operating fully with their investigation. The hospital remains a safe environment.’’
One staff member said yesterday: “But it is not surprising, given the size of the hospital. It’s like a city in there.”