Wes Streeting has described nurses as “the backbone of our NHS” after a staff member was left in a critical condition by a stabbing in a hospital’s A&E department. A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after the nurse, a woman in her 50s, was seriously injured at the Royal Oldham Hospital at about 11.30pm on Saturday, Greater Manchester Police said.
It is believed a member of the public attacked the nurse with a bladed article or sharp instrument which was not a knife, the force added. The Health Secretary added that nurses “should be able to care for patients without fear of violence”. He posted on X saying: “My thoughts are with the nurse and her loved ones following this horrific attack at The Royal Oldham Hospital.
“Nurses are the backbone of our NHS and should be able to care for patients without fear of violence. “We’re in touch with the Trust and will update further as we can.”. The nurse suffered serious injuries and remains in hospital for treatment. Her injuries are believed to be life-changing.
A 37-year-old man was arrested at the scene, police said. He remains in police custody. The force said it is not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and does not believe there is a threat to the wider public. NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard posted on X saying: “I am shocked by the horrific attack on a nurse at the Royal Oldham Hospital, as are all my colleagues at @NHSEngland.
