Blackpool Hospital worker held over poisoning claims

A health care professional at Blackpool Hospital has been arrested over the alleged administration of poison or a noxious substance to patients.

Lancashire Police have reported that concerns were raised over the alleged mistreatment and neglect of some patients on the stroke unit at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The employee has been suspended from duty and bailed until December 6.

Police were contacted by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on November 8 after concerns were raised about the care provided to some patients earlier this month.

The allegations relate to the alleged mistreatment and neglect of patients on the stroke unit in November 2018. The woman was arrested on suspicion of administering any poison or noxious thing with the intent to injure and ill treatment or wilful neglect. The healthcare professional has been suspended.

Officers are at the very early stages of their investigation and are working closely with Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Detective 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.”

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