Attempted murder investigation launched after nurse stabbed in Oldham
A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder
Last updated 12th Jan 2025
Greater Manchester Police have launched an attempted murder investigation after a nurse was attacked in Oldham.
Officers were called to Rochdale Road in Oldham at around 11:30pm on Saturday night (January 11th), following reports of a stabbing.
When police arrived at the scene outside the Royal Oldham Hospital, they found that a woman in her 50s had suffered serious injuries.
The woman received immediate medical treatment and was taken to hospital shortly afterwards - where she remains in a critical condition.
It is believed that the suspect had attacked the victim, who works as a nurse at the Royal Oldham Hospital, according to the force.
Police arrested a 37-year-old man shortly afterwards on suspicion of attempted murder; he currently remains in police custody.
In a statement, the force said that enquiries are at an early stage and they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. They also confirmed there is no wider threat to the public following the arrest.
Speaking about the case, Detective Sergeant Craig Roters from Greater Manchester Police said: "This is a serious incident which has left a woman in a critical condition.
“Our thoughts are with her family and colleagues, and we will continue to support them throughout this investigation.
“The local community can expect to see an increase in police presence whilst we carry out enquiries, but they are also there to offer reassurance and answer any questions you may have.
"We know that news of this nature will come as a shock, and if you have any concerns or anything you would like to share, please speak to them.”
The chief nursing officer at Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust said staff were "incredibly shocked" by the stabbing of a colleague at Royal Oldham Hospital.
"We are incredibly shocked and saddened by last night's incident and our focus is on supporting the colleague involved and their family," Heather Caudle said.
"Our thoughts are also with colleagues and patients who were there at the time of the incident and for whom this has been distressing and frightening.
"We will continue to support Greater Manchester Police with their inquiries. All services at The Royal Oldham Hospital remain open."
The MP for Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton has called the stabbing of a Royal Oldham Hospital worker a "senseless attack" and wished her a full recovery.
Jim McMahon, who is also local government minister, posted on Facebook saying: "We are all shocked at the senseless attack on a nurse in the A&E department of the Royal Oldham Hospital.
"Our thoughts are with the nurse, family and friends as we wish a full recovery."
The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, has said nurses shouldn't face the fear of violence whilst trying to treat patients.