Thursday 21 July 2011

Stepping Hill Hospital deaths: Two more patients die


Stepping Hill Hospital Security has been increased at the hospital

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Two more patients have died at a Stockport hospital where a contaminated saline solution was found.
Police said 83-year-old Alfred Derek Weaver died on Thursday morning and a woman, 84, died on 14 July.
The deaths come after Tracey Arden, 44, Arnold Lancaster, 71, and George Keep, 84, all died at Stepping Hill Hospital.
Police believe insulin was deliberately injected into saline containers. A nurse has been arrested on suspicion of murder over the three earlier deaths.
Rebecca Leighton, 27, of Heaviley in Stockport, was detained on Wednesday.
Police said a 41-year-old man remained critically ill in hospital.
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, of Greater Manchester Police, said it was "likely" the force would be asked to investigate further deaths and said the inquiry was a "complex investigation that takes time".
"We won't rule out making any more arrests," he said.
Rebecca Leighton Rebecca Leighton was arrested at her home in Stockport
He said the inquiry was concentrating on the five deaths, which have all taken place since 7 July, but confirmed that officers could widen their investigation to examine earlier deaths.
"As with the deaths of George Keep, Arnold Lancaster and Tracey Arden, the cause of this man and woman's death is not known and it is important we do not lose sight of this fact," he said.
"In relation to the death of the woman, this was referred to us by the coroner and after a review of the circumstances surrounding this death - notably the low blood sugar level - we have decided to investigate further.
"In relation to the man's death, due to the fact he suffered a hypoglycaemic episode during a timeframe we are looking at, it is only right we conduct further inquiries.
"We have family liaison officers with both families and my thoughts are with them, as they are with the relatives of all affected by this incident.
"I want to make it abundantly clear that we are working closely with the coroner and, as is to be expected, it is likely we will be asked to investigate further deaths.
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Hopkins confirms two further deaths
"In the main these are likely to be deaths of people who are elderly and/or ill, and we fully support the coroner's 'belt and braces' approach to ensuring future deaths that require further investigation are appropriately investigated and scrutinised.
"I cannot emphasise enough how complex an investigation this is, requiring detailed forensic and medical analysis, and want to take the opportunity to thank the hospital and staff for their ongoing help and support."
Ms Leighton remains in police custody, after being arrested at her home in Buxton Road on Wednesday morning.
Officers removed six bags of items and a computer from the flat.
Detectives have been given extra time by a superintendent to question her. They now have until 1800 BST, or will have to apply to the magistrates' court for further time.
Low blood sugar The Nursing and Midwifery Council has said proceedings are under way to suspend Ms Leighton's nursing registration while she is under investigation.
The five patients are among a total of 14 whose treatment since 7 July is being examined by police.
Greater Manchester Police were called to the hospital after an experienced nurse reported a higher-than-normal number of patients on her ward with "unexplained" low blood sugar levels.
Tracey Arden, George Keep and Arnold Lancaster The deaths of Tracey Arden, George Keep and Arnold Lancaster were already being investigated
Officers found insulin had contaminated a batch of 36 saline ampoules in a store room close to ward A1 of the hospital.
More than 60 detectives are working on the inquiry, centred around wards A1 and A3.
Hospital staff have been told to work in pairs to check and administer drugs across the hospital.
A single key-holder has to be asked for access to locked drugs cabinets. Names and times are being recorded each time drugs are administered.
Insulin was always kept in a fridge in a locked treatment room. Saline solution has also been locked away.
A significant police presence remains at the hospital, where more than 50 staff and patients have been questioned.

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