03.07.18
Health worker arrested on suspicion of infanticide at Countess of Chester Hospital
A female medical professional has been arrested on suspicion of murdering eight babies and attempting to murder a further six following an investigation at a Cheshire hospital.
The staff member at the neonatal unit at Countess of Chester Hospital was arrested after Cheshire Police began investigating the deaths of 15 new-borns in May last year, looking at the deaths of babies at the unit from March 2015 to July 2016.
Cheshire Police say they are looking into the deaths of 17 babies and 15 non-fatal collapses — but have not disclosed the exact occupation of the female arrested.
Detective Inspector Paul Hughes, in charge of the investigation, said: “This is a highly complex and very sensitive investigation and we need to ensure we do everything we possibly can to try to establish in detail what has led to these baby deaths and collapses.
“Due to the nature of the case and, as part of our ongoing enquiries, we have consulted with a number of medical specialists to ensure that we carry out as thorough an investigation as possible. We have also spoken to a large number of people to gather as much information as we can.”
Det. Insp. Hughes added that the female staff member was arrested earlier this morning and is currently in custody.
“Whilst this is a significant step forward in our enquiries it is important to remember that the investigation is very much active and ongoing at this stage,” he added. “There are no set timescales for this coming to a conclusion but we remain committed to carrying out a thorough investigation as soon as possible.”
Countess of Chester Hospital medical director Ian Harvey commented: “We are continuing to support Cheshire Police with their ongoing investigation.
“Asking the police to look into this was not something we did lightly, but we need to do everything we can to understand what has happened here and get the answers we and the families so desperately want.
“The Countess is now equivalent to a Level 1 Special Care Baby Unit and we are confident the unit is safe to continue in its current form.”
Det Insp. Hughes noted that anyone with any information can get in touch via [email protected]
Information can also be passed on anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by calling 101.
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