Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after hospital attack leaves nurse with 'life-changing' injuries

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a shocking incident over the weekend in Oldham.

At 11:30pm on Saturday night, Greater Manchester Police officers were called to Rochdale Road in Oldham to reports of a stabbing.

It’s believed that a member of the public attacked a nurse with a bladed article or sharp instrument which was not a knife, at a Royal Oldham Hospital A&E ward.

The victim, a woman in her 50s, suffered serious injuries and remains in hospital for treatment.

Her injuries are believed to be life-changing.

A 37-year-old man was swiftly arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder.

He remains in police custody.

Whilst this investigation is in the early stages, police are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with this incident, and officers do not believe there to be a threat to the wider public.

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.”

Government Health Secretary Wes Streeting added that nurses “should be able to care for patients without fear of violence”.

He posted on X saying: “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.”

Heather Caudle, chief nursing officer at Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the Royal Oldham Hospital, said staff had been left 'incredibly shocked' by the stabbing of a colleague at Royal Oldham Hospital.

She said: "We are incredibly shocked and saddened by the 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.”

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