A 37-year old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, after a nurse was attacked at the Royal Oldham Hospital.
At 11.30pm on Sunday, Greater Manchester Police were called to the A&E department, following reports that a member of the public had attacked a woman in her 50s, with a sharp instrument, which was not a knife.
The victim suffered critical, life-changing injuries and remains in hospital for treatment.
Officers say they are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with this incident, and they do not believe there is a wider threat to the public.
Detective sergeant Craig Roters said: “This is a serious incident which has left a woman in a critical condition.
“Our thoughts are with her family and colleagues, and we will continue to support them throughout this investigation.
“The local community can expect to see an increase in police presence whilst we carry out enquiries, but they are also there to offer reassurance and answer any questions you may have. We know that news of this nature will come as a shock, and if you have any concerns or anything you would like to share, please speak to them.”
Chief nursing officer at Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust Heather Caudle said: “We are incredibly shocked and saddened by last night’s incident and our focus is on supporting the colleague involved and their family.
“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. We will continue to support Greater Manchester Police with their inquiries. All services at The Royal Oldham Hospital remain open.”
Health secretary Wes Streeting wrote on X: “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.”
