A nurse in her 50s is fighting for her life after being stabbed in a “senseless attack” by an angry patient at Royal Oldham Hospital in Greater Manchester. The incident occurred in the accident and emergency room when the patient, upset over wait times, used a sharp instrument to inflict “serious” injuries on the nurse. Police quickly arrested a 37-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder. Health officials and local representatives expressed shock and outrage over the attack, emphasizing that healthcare workers should not face violence while performing their duties. The hospital remains open and is supporting the investigation.

A hospital nurse was tonight fighting for her life after being stabbed in a “senseless attack” by a patient who was “angry” about being kept waiting.

The nurse, a woman in her 50s, was attacked while working in the accident and emergency room and suffered “serious” injuries that are considered “life-changing,” police said.

The “tragic and frightening” attack took place at the Royal Oldham Hospital in Greater Manchester, where police said the attacker used a “sharp instrument” rather than a knife.

Greater Manchester Police said a 37-year-old man was “quickly arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder”.

Labor MP Jim McMahon, who represents Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton, said: “We are all shocked by this senseless attack on a nurse in the A&E department at Royal Oldham Hospital.”

“We join his nurses, family and friends in wishing him a full recovery.”

One of the nurses at the hospital claimed that the attack occurred after the patient became angry over the amount of time he was waiting to be seen.

She said: “It’s terrible. I got into an argument with a patient. I think they were angry because they had to wait to be seen. It’s scary.”

Nurse stabbed in ‘senseless attack’ at Greater Manchester’s Royal Oldham Hospital

The nurse, a woman in her 50s, was attacked while working in the accident and emergency room.

Another nurse said “there was an altercation with a patient” outside the hospital. The patient did not go out of control just because it got out of hand.

“It was a disagreement that could have happened in the middle of the night. As always, it is shocking that a nurse was attacked.”

“I’m shocked,” said Mike Lawton, 58, a local resident who lives near the hospital. This happens even though nurses work long hours. ”

The father-of-two added: “I hope she’s okay.”

RCN Director General and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger said: “This attack on a nurse is truly shocking and our thoughts are with the victim, her family and colleagues.”

“Nursing staff go to work to care for others and have the right to do so without fear of violence. All employers have a duty to protect the safety of their employees, and authorities have a right to do so without fear of violence. We must ensure that health care workers in need are able to face the full force of the law.”

The Royal Oldham Hospital said it was “shocked and saddened” by the attack at around 11.30pm on Saturday.

The hospital also said it is focused on supporting those involved and their families, adding that all services remain open.

Heather Caudle, chief nursing officer at Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the Royal Oldham, said last night: “We are incredibly shocked and saddened by last night’s incident. “Our focus is to support our colleagues and their families who were involved.”

‘Harrowing and terrifying’ attack took place at Royal Oldham Hospital (pictured)

“Our thoughts are also with colleagues and patients who were at the scene at the time of the incident, which was painful and frightening.

“We continue to support Greater Manchester Police with their investigation. All services at Royal Oldham Hospital remain open.”

On Sunday night, Britain’s Royal College of Nursing condemned the attack on the Oldham nurse, calling it “truly shocking”.

RCN Director General and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger said: “This attack on a nurse is truly shocking and our thoughts are with the victim, her family and colleagues.”

“Nursing staff go to work to care for others and have the right to do so without fear of violence. All employers have a duty to protect the safety of their employees, and authorities have a right to do so without fear of violence. We must ensure that health care workers in need are able to face the full force of the law.”

Greater Manchester Police said the suspect remains in police custody.

Detective Sergeant Craig Lotters said: “This is a serious incident in which a woman was left in a serious condition.”

“Our thoughts are with her family and colleagues and we will continue to support them throughout this investigation.”

Greater Manchester Police said officers would “increase their presence” and provide “a sense of security” around the hospital while they carried out inquiries.

It added: “While this investigation is in its early stages, we are not currently seeking anyone else in connection with this incident and do not believe there is a threat to the public at large.”

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