Nurse in her 50s stabbed with scissors on ward is ‘lovely & popular mum-of-two’, says co-worker as man, 37, arrested
A NURSE who was stabbed with a pair of scissors in a hospital's ward is a "lovely and popular mum-of-two", a co-worker has said.
The woman, in her 50s, suffered "life-changing" injuries in the attack at The Royal Oldham Hospital on Saturday night.
A 37-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in police custody.
Police were called at 11.30pm to reports of a stabbing at the hospital after a member of the public attacked the nurse.
It's understood the incident happened in the acute medical ward of the hospital allegedly because the patient became "angry"; about having to wait.
A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) spokesperson said initial enquiries had revealed that the nurse was stabbed with a pair of scissors.
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One hospital worker, who didn't wish to be named, said he knew the "experienced" nurse.
He also said she'd worked at the hospital for around ten years.
He said: "The nurse is lovely lady. She's in her 50s and has two children and is an active and popular member of the community in Oldham.
"She's a very nice lady and is member of the Indian Association Oldham (IAO)."
The IAO is a Hindu temple and a community centre in the town.
It is also a non-profit organisation which offers services to people of various backgrounds.
He continued: "People have been shocked by what happened, especially the nurses.
"Many nurses from India came here after Covid - around 400."
He added that the nurse was being treated at a different hospital and he hadn't spoken to her husband as he was still too upset.
Detectives said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
Detective Sergeant Craig Roters, of GMP, 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."
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said on X that nurses "should be able to care for patients without fear of violence".
His post added: "My thoughts are with the nurse and her loved ones following this horrific attack at The Royal Oldham Hospital.
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"Nurses are the backbone of our NHS and should be able to care for patients without fear of violence."
In a social media post, Oldham West MP Jim McMahon, who is also a minister for local government, expressed his shock at what he described as "a senseless attack".