Wes Streeting has described nurses as “the backbone of our NHS” after a staff member was left in a critical condition by a stabbing in a hospital’s A&E department.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after the nurse, a woman in her 50s, was seriously injured at the Royal Oldham Hospital at about 11.30pm on Saturday, Greater Manchester Police said.
It is believed a member of the public attacked the nurse with a bladed article or sharp instrument which was not a knife, the force added.
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The Health Secretary 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.”
The nurse suffered serious injuries and remains in hospital for treatment. Her injuries are believed to be life-changing.
A 37-year-old man was arrested at the scene, police said. He remains in police custody.
The force said it is not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and does not believe there is a threat to the wider public.
NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard posted on X saying: “I am shocked by the horrific attack on a nurse at the Royal Oldham Hospital, as are all my colleagues at @NHSEngland.
“Our thoughts are with her, her family and friends.
“I would like to thank everyone who acted so quickly to help after this terrible assault.
“Our staff deserve the right to come to work – to help others – without fear of being harmed.
“We will provide all the support we can to those affected.”
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Detective Sergeant Craig Roters, from the 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 inquiries, 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.”
The trust that oversees the hospital said it was “shocked and saddened” by the stabbing.
Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust also said its focus was on supporting the nurse, and added that all services at the hospital remain open.
The Royal Oldham Hospital (Dave Thompson/PA)
Chief nursing officer Heather Caudle said: “We are incredibly shocked and saddened by last night’s 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.”
Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton, called the stabbing a “senseless attack” and wished the victim a full recovery.
Mr McMahon, who is also local government minister, posted on Facebook: “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.”