Hospital patients die after medicine is ‘interfered with’

Hospital staff discovered vials of saline used in the patients’ drips had been contaminated at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport.

Assistand Chief Constable Terry Sweeney told Channel 4 News: “We have someone deliberately contaminating saline in the one place that people should feel they are being most cared for.”

The police were contacted on Tuesday after an experienced nurse reported a higher than normal number of patients on her ward with “unexplained” low blood sugar levels.

Today, two security guards stand outside the entrance to the hospital, directing patients in and keeping the media out. The hospital is keen to reassure patients and relatives, but people are understandably worried.

We have someone deliberately contaminating saline in the one place that people should feel they are being most cared for. Asst Chief Constable Terry Sweeney

One woman told Channel 4 News: “I’ve heard about what happened on the news, so I’ve just come here to check on my mum, who is on one of the wards”.

Other relatives said there were more guards and a number of police officers inside. Meanwhile, staff are having to undergo extra checks as they go about their duties.

It is understood that 12 patients were affected by the contaminated batch. An investigation is under way in to the deaths of three of the patients, a 44-year-old woman and two men, aged 71 and 84.

The woman and the 71-year-old man were terminally ill.

Detective Superintendent Julian Ross, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “We are investigating the deaths of a 44-year-old woman and two men aged 71 and 84.

“I must stress the cause of death is not known and any speculation about this would not be helpful to our investigation or welcomed by the families of these people.”

We are now in the process of contacting patients and the relatives of those who may have been affected. Dr Chris Burke

A spokesman for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said: “The hospital found that some saline ampoules had been interfered with and, as a result, commenced an immediate investigation.

“Greater Manchester Police has been asked to assist with the investigation, which is at a very early stage.”

Dr Chris Burke, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust’s Chief Executive, said: “We are now in the process of contacting patients and the relatives of those who may have been affected.

“The trust has done an initial check of all ampoules in the hospital and is carrying out a number of additional measures to safeguard patients.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 872 5050, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.