Hospital worker arrested on charges of murder and rape

A HEALTHCARE professional has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of a woman patient who died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

The man is being questioned by detectives in connection with the death of Valerie Kneale, 75, who suffered a haemorrhage while being treated at the hospital’s stroke unit in November 2018.

Police said he had also been arrested on suspicion of two offences of rape and one of sexual assault against two patients and a fellow worker.

The suspect has been suspended by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Detectives launched an investigation into activities at the Lancashire hospital in autumn 2018 after allegations that patients had been poisoned, neglected and mistreated on the stroke unit.

A post-mortem examination on Mrs Kneale, who died on Nov 16 2018, was one of a number carried out as part of the investigation. It was concluded that she had died as a result of bleeding caused by an injury that was not medically related and a murder investigation was launched.

Lancashire Police said as a result of that investigation further allegations related to the rape and sexual assault of patients and staff had also been received.

A spokesman for the force said: “Following inquiries, a healthcare professional has been arrested on suspicion of murder, two offences of rape and one offence of sexual assault. He is currently in custody.

“The arrest is not linked to the ongoing investigation into allegations of poisoning and neglect.”

Appealing for further information, including from people who had worked on the stroke unit, Detective Chief Inspector Jill Johnston said: “We have today arrested a man in connection with a number of serious offences.

“We understand this will cause some significant concern in the community but please be reassured we have a dedicated team of officers conducting a number of inquiries.

“These are complicated and sensitive allegations which we are committed to investigating thoroughly.

“We are offering support to those involved and they are being updated throughout the process by officers.”

The police investigation into alleged poisonings on the stroke unit is still continuing.

Seven people have been arrested and released as part of that inquiry.