Two more healthcare workers arrested in hospital poisoning probe

Detectives investigating allegations of mistreatment and neglect of stroke victims at a hospital have arrested two more people.

A man and a woman, described by Lancashire Police as healthcare professionals, were arrested on suspicion of administering any poison or noxious thing with the intent to injure and ill treatment or wilful neglect, at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

They are currently in custody.

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

The claims related to the alleged mistreatment and neglect of patients on the stroke unit that month.

A third healthcare professional was arrested last month on suspicion of administering any poison or noxious thing with the intent to injure and ill treatment or wilful neglect and bailed until February 10, 2019

All three have been suspended.

Lancashire Police said officers remain in the early stages of their investigation and are working closely with Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and HM Coroner for Blackpool and Fylde.

A number of post-mortem examinations have been conducted as part of police inquiries.

Det Chief Insp Jill Johnston, of Lancashire Police said: “We have made two more arrests as part of an on-going investigation into allegations of mistreatment of patients at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

“This is a complicated and sensitive inquiry which remains at its early stages.

“I understand further arrests might be concerning but I would like to reassure people we have a dedicated team of detectives working on this investigation.

“We are offering support to 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.

“Some post-mortem examinations have been conducted to assist our inquiries.

“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 well as HM Coroner for Blackpool and Fylde as part of the investigation.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log reference 0553 of November 14. Information can also be given to police via: https://mipp.police.uk

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