Poisoning investigations result in four further arrests at Blackpool Victoria Hospital

Four members of staff have been arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance or poison to patients at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, amid allegations of neglect and mistreatment.

The investigations have come about following concerns raised about the care provided to some patients on the stroke unit at the hospital.

Three healthcare professionals previously arrested as part of the inquiry have been released under investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Jill Johnston said that although she “understands further arrests could be concerning”, she would like to reassure the community that the force has a “dedicated team of detectives working on this investigation.”

Wendy Swift, chief executive of the Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said “The provision of services will continue as usual, while the hospital remains a safe and caring environment for patients.

“We take all allegations of this type extremely seriously and when the concerns were raised last year about the individuals, they were immediately suspended.”

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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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