A nurse is fighting for her life after being stabbed in a hospital’s A&E department.
The female staff member, in her 50s, is in critical condition with life-changing injuries in Royal Oldham hospital where the attack took place at 11.30pm yesterday.
A 37-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder and is currently in police custody where he is being quizzed by detectives.
It is believed a member of the public attacked the victim with a bladed article or sharp instrument which was not a knife, police said.
Greater Manchester Police said it is not looking for anybody else in connection with the incident and does not believe there is a threat to the wider public.
Detective Sergeant Craig Roters. from the force’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.
A nurse has been stabbed in A&E at the Royal Oldham hospital. The woman, aged in her 50s, is in a critical condition with life-changing injuries
A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and is currently in police custody where he is being quizzed by detectives (Pictured: The Royal Oldham hospital)
‘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.’
Jim McMahon, the MP for Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton, has called the stabbing of a Royal Oldham Hospital worker a ‘senseless attack’ and wished her a full recovery.
Mr McMahon, who is also local government minister, posted on Facebook saying: ‘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.’
The Mayor of Oldham Borough Zahid Chauhan said he was ‘saddened to see another colleague being attacked while trying to do her job and literally saved lives’.
Writing on X he said: ‘Wishing quick swift and full recovery. Prayers and best wishes on behalf of everyone in Oldham.’