An Oldham MP has described the stabbing of a nurse at the town’s hospital as ‘senseless’ as he joined scores of others in sending her his best wishes.
The woman in her 50s was attacked whilst working at the Royal Oldham Hospital on Saturday night. Police were called following the shocking incident at around 11:30pm.
She is currently in a critical condition in hospital, where she is receiving treatment for ‘serious’ and potentially ‘life-changing’ injuries. A 37-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder. He remains in custody for questioning.
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The Manchester Evening news understands it happened in an A+E ward of the hospital and that the victim, a nurse, was attacked with a ‘sharp instrument’, that wasn’t a knife.
Jim McMahon, a junior minister in the Labour government, and the MP for Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton, has now spoken out following the incident.
Police outside the hospital on Sunday -Credit:Manchester Evening News
In a post on his Facebook page he said: “We are all shocked at the senseless attack on a nurse in the A&E department of the Royal Oldham Hospital. Our thoughts are with the nurse, family and friends as we wish a full recovery.”
Scores of others took to the Manchester Evening News Facebook page to send their best wishes. “Absolutely disgusting that this kind of thing can happen when all nhs staff are doing their best .Wishing her a speedy recovery”, one reader said. “Hope and pray this lady pulls through, to go to work and the last thing this lady expected was this happen to her, our thoughts are with her to pull through”, said another.
Whilst a third said: “Hope the lady recovers soon. No nurse, doctor or any member of hospital staff should have to go through this. I don’t know what this world is coming to.”
Jim McMahon described the attack as ‘shocking’ and ‘senseless’ -Credit:Getty Images
GMP said its investigation into the incident is in its ‘early stages.’ “We are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with this incident, and we do not believe there to be a threat to the wider public,” they said.
Detective Sergeant Craig Roters, from GMP’s Oldham district, 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.”