A further four healthcare professionals have been arrested on suspicion of mistreating stroke victims at a hospital in Blackpool. The suspects were detained by Lancashire police on suspicion of “administering any poison or noxious thing” with intent to injure patients.
The total number of people who have been arrested in the investigation is seven. Three nurses were arrested in November and December last year, they have been released but remain under investigation. The four who have just been arrested are a man and three women, were suspended by the hospital since December.
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In January, detectives confirmed a murder investigation was in process following the death of a woman in her 70s, Valerie Knealeon, the stroke unit in November. A post mortem examination of Ms Kneale’s death found an injury which police said was suspicious. It is not yet clear how many patients may have been affected but police have carried out a number of postmortem examinations as part of their investigation.
DCI Jill Johnston of Lancashire police said: “Our investigation into allegations of mistreatment and neglect of patients at Blackpool Victoria hospital is very much ongoing.
“I understand further arrests could be concerning, but I would like to reassure people we have a dedicated team of detectives working on this investigation.
“Our priority and the priority of Blackpool teaching hospitals NHS foundation trust is to ensure the safety of patients.
“Given the number of arrests and the nature of the allegations, it remains a complex and sensitive inquiry.”
No timescale has been set for the investigation.
DCI Jill Johnston of Lancashire police added: “A number of postmortem examinations have taken place in connection with our investigation and we are supporting those families who have had loved ones identified as potentially being involved,”
“They are being kept fully updated and supported throughout the process by specially trained officers.
“We are working closely with the Trust as well as HM coroner for Blackpool and Fylde as part of the investigation.”
Wendy Swift, the chief executive of the trust, said: “We can confirm four further healthcare professionals who were suspended last year following allegations of mistreatment against patients on the stroke unit have now been arrested.
“We take all allegations of this type extremely seriously and when the concerns were raised last year about the individuals, they were immediately suspended.
“The trust contacted police as soon the allegations were made and we are continuing to work with them and cooperating fully with their investigation.
“We would like to reassure 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.’’
