A 37-year-old man has been taken into custody on suspicion of attempted murder after a nurse in her 50s was critically injured in a stabbing incident at the Royal Oldham Hospital in the United Kingdom.
The attack occurred around 23:30 GMT on Saturday in the hospital’s acute medical unit.
Police believe the assailant, a member of the public, used a sharp object, though it was not a knife.
The victim remains hospitalized and is being treated for what authorities describe as life-changing injuries.
Greater Manchester Police have launched an investigation, with Det Sgt Craig Roters urging anyone with information to come forward.
“We know that news of this nature will come as a shock,” he stated. He also noted that an increased police presence would be visible in the area to reassure the community and address concerns.
Reacting to the incident, Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed his solidarity with the victim, writing 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.”
Chief nursing officer at the Northern Care Alliance NHS Trust, which oversees the hospital, Heather Caudle, said the staff was “incredibly shocked and saddened” by the attack. She emphasized their focus on supporting the injured nurse and her family while extending sympathies to colleagues and patients who were present during the incident.
Caudle reassured the public that the hospital remains fully operational.
Local MP Jim McMahon also expressed his dismay in a social media post, describing the incident as “a senseless attack.”
He extended his thoughts to the victim, her loved ones, and colleagues, wishing her a complete recovery.
Authorities continue to investigate, and the community is encouraged to cooperate with police efforts.
