A healthcare professional has been arrested over the alleged mistreatment and neglect of stroke patients at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
Lancashire Police were contacted by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on November 8th after concerns were raised about the care provided to some patients.
The woman 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 until December 6th.
The Trust said the healthcare professional had been suspended.
Part of an On-going Investigation
Police said they were at the very early stages of their investigation and were working closely with the hospital Trust.
Detective Chief Inspector Jill Johnston of Lancashire Police commented: "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."
Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Allegations Treated Seriously
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."
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Cite this: Peter Russell. Lancs Hospital Worker Arrested Over Poisoning Allegations - Medscape - Nov 20, 2018.
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