The Health Secretary has reacted to a ‘horrific attack’ at the Royal Oldham Hospital after a nurse was stabbed.
Wes Streeting took to social media to describe nurses as ‘backbone of our NHS’ and said that they ‘should be able to care for patients without fear of violence’. Greater Manchester Police said that officers were called to the hospital at about 11.30pm yesterday.
The nurse, a woman in her 50s, suffered serious injuries which were described as ‘life changing’. Her condition is said to be ‘critical’.
A 37-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder. GMP said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
This evening, the Labour MP said on X: “My thoughts are with the nurse and her loved ones following this horrific attack at The Royal Oldham Hospital. Nurses are the backbone of our NHS and should be able to care for patients without fear of violence.
“We’re in touch with the Trust and will update further as we can.” A statement was also released by the chief nursing officer of the trust which runs the hospital, the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting
(Image: PA Wire)
“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.” Earlier, Detective Sergeant Craig Roters, from GMP’s Oldham district, 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.”