Police arrest healthcare worker over alleged "poisoning" of patients at Blackpool Victoria Hospital
A healthcare professional has been arrested on suspicion of administering any poison or noxious thing with the intent to injure and ill treatment or wilful neglect.
Last updated 19th Nov 2018
Lancashire Police are investigating allegations of mistreatment and neglect by a healthcare professional at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
Police were contacted by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on 8th November after concerns were raised about the care provided to some patients.
The allegations relate to the alleged mistreatment and neglect of patients on the stroke unit in November 2018.
A healthcare professional was arrested in relation to these allegations. She was arrested on suspicion of administering any poison or noxious thing with the intent to injure and ill treatment or wilful neglect. She has been bailed to 6th December.
The healthcare professional has been suspended and enquiries are ongoing
Officers are at the very early stages of their investigation and are working closely with Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Det Chief Insp Jill Johnston, of Lancashire Police said: “This arrest is part of an on-going investigation into allegations of mistreatment of patients by a healthcare professional at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
“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.
“Our priority and the priority of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is to ensure the safety of patients. We are working closely with the Trust as part of the investigation.”
Wendy Swift, Chief Executive of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We can confirm a healthcare professional has been suspended in line with Trust policy following allegations of mistreatment against patients on the Stroke Unit.
“We take all allegations of this type extremely seriously and when the concerns were raised we immediately contacted the police.
“The Trust is working with the police and co-operating fully with their investigation.
“We would like to reassure all our patients that all necessary actions are being taken. The hospital remains a safe and caring environment for patients and the provision of services will continue as usual.’
Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log reference 0553 of November 14.