London:
An Indian-origin nurse is struggling with “life-changing injuries” after she was stabbed with a pair of scissors during a night shift at the Acute Medical Unit at Royal Oldham Hospital in Greater Manchester, northwest England.
The nurse, named at Manchester Magistrates' Court as Achamma Cherian, was attacked on Saturday evening, after which 37-year-old Rumon Haque was arrested. Greater Manchester Police said Haque was charged on Tuesday with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article when he was remanded in custody to appear at Manchester Crown Court next month.
“The victim, a woman in her 50s, suffered serious injuries and remains in hospital receiving treatment. Her injuries are believed to be life-changing,” a police statement said.
“Our thoughts are with the nurse as she continues to receive treatment for her injuries in hospital, and our priority remains supporting her, her family and her colleagues at this difficult time. We continue to work closely with our NHS (National Health Service) colleagues to support everyone affected by this incident,” said Chief Inspector Matt Walker, of Greater Manchester Police's Oldham District.
Police previously said the nurse was seriously injured when a member of the public attacked her and that no one else was being sought in connection with the incident.
“This is a serious incident that has left a woman in critical condition,” Detective Sergeant Craig Roters said in the immediate aftermath over the weekend.
British Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed his shock on social media: “My thoughts are with the nurse and her loved ones after this horrific attack at Royal Oldham Hospital.
“Nurses are the backbone of our NHS and should be able to care for patients without fear of violence. We are in contact with the Trust and will update further as possible.” Heather Caudle, chief nursing officer at Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, said they were “incredibly shocked and saddened” by the incident.
“Our focus is on supporting the colleague involved and his family. Our thoughts also go out to colleagues and patients who were there at the time of the incident and for whom this was painful and frightening. We will continue to support Greater Manchester Police with their investigations,” she said, adding that services at the Royal Oldham Hospital will remain open.
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