Nurse stabbed in acute medical ward of hospital
Geograph/David DixonA man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a nurse was seriously injured in a stabbing at a hospital.
A woman in her 50s suffered life-changing injuries in the attack at the Royal Oldham Hospital’s Acute Medical Unit (AMU) at around 23:30 GMT on Saturday.
Greater Manchester Police said officers believe a member of the public attacked him with a sharp weapon, which was not a knife. He is in the hospital for treatment.
A 37-year-old man was arrested and is in police custody.
Det Sergeant Craig Rotters appealed for information, saying: “We know news like this will come as a shock.
“The local community can expect to see an increased police presence as we conduct inquiries, but they are also there to provide reassurance and answer any questions you may have.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said on x Nurses “must be able to care for patients without fear of violence”.
His post said: “My thoughts are with the nurses and their loved ones following this horrific attack at the Royal Oldham Hospital.
“Nurses are the backbone of our NHS and they should be able to care for patients without fear of violence.
“We are in contact with the Trust and will update as soon as possible.”
‘The hospital will remain open’
Heather Caudle, chief nursing officer at the Northern Care Alliance NHS Trust, which covers Oldham, said staff were “incredibly shocked and saddened by last night’s incident and our focus is on supporting the colleague involved and his family”.
He added: “Our thoughts are also with the colleagues and patients who were present at the time of the incident and for whom this is distressing and frightening.”
He said they are working with the police and all services at the hospital will remain open.
In a social media post, Oldham West MP Jim McMahon, who is also the Minister for Local Government, expressed his shock at what he described as “a senseless attack”.
He said his thoughts are with the staff member, his family and friends and he wishes him a full recovery.
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