Senior nursing and healthcare figures have shared their concern following a ‘truly shocking’ attack on a nurse at a hospital.
The victim, a woman in her 50s, has suffered life-changing injuries following a reported stabbing by a member of the public at 11.30pm at the Royal Oldham Hospital on Saturday.
The nurse remains in hospital ‘in a critical condition’ and a 37-year-old man is in custody after being arrested on suspicion of attempted murder at the scene.
Greater Manchester Police said it was currently not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident, and that is does not believe there to be a threat to the wider public.
Responding to the attack, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) general secretary and chief executive professor Nicola Ranger, said the incident was ‘truly shocking’ and that the college’s thoughts were with the victim, her family and colleagues.
‘Nursing staff go to work to care for others and have every right to do so without the fear of violence,’ she added.
‘All employers have a duty to keep their staff safe and authorities must ensure those endangering healthcare professionals face the full force of the law.’
Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting also shared his thoughts for the nurse and her loved ones ‘following this horrific attack’.
‘Nurses are the backbone of our NHS and should be able to care for patients without fear of violence,’ he said.
Writing on X, Mr Streeting said he was in touch with the hospital’s trust and would provide further updates when they come.
Also writing on X England’s chief nursing officer (CNO) Duncan Burton stressed that all staff should be able to come to work without fear of attack.
‘Any form of violence or aggression towards staff is unacceptable. If you or any of your colleagues are worried about this incident, please reach out to your manager for support which is always available,’ he said.
CNO at Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Heather Caudle, said the trust will continue to support Greater Manchester Police with their enquiries.
‘We are incredibly shocked and saddened by last night’s incident and our focus is on supporting the colleague involved and their family,’ she 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.’
