Man, 37, charged with attempted murder after nurse stabbed on ward in front of terrified patients in ‘senseless’ attack
A MAN has been charged with attempted murder after a nurse was stabbed inside a hospital.
Rumon Haque, 37, has been charged with both attempted murder and possession of a bladed article after a nurse was stabbed at The Royal Oldham Hospital on Saturday night.
Greater Manchester Police had been called to the hospital at 11:30pm after reports of a stabbing in the building.
Detective Superintendent Matt Walker said: “Our thoughts are with the nurse as she continues to receive treatment in hospital for her injuries, and our priority remains supporting her, her family, and her colleagues at this difficult time.
“We continue to work closely with our NHS colleagues to support anyone who has been affected by this incident.”
It is believed a member of the public attacked a member of staff with a bladed article or sharp instrument which was not a knife.
The woman, who is in her 50s, suffered serious injuries and remains in hospital for treatment.
Her injuries are believed to be life-changing.
Greater Manchester Police said it is not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
It also does not believe there is a threat to the wider public.
The trust which oversees the Royal Oldham Hospital said it was “shocked and saddened” by the stabbing.
The hospital trust also said its focus was on supporting the worker involved and their family.
It added that all services at the hospital remain open.
Chief nursing officer at Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, 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.”
Wes Streeting described nurses as “the backbone of our NHS”.
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.”
Jim McMahon, the MP for Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton, has called the stabbing of the worker a “senseless attack” and wished her a full recovery.
Mr McMahon, who is also local government minister, posted on Facebook saying: “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.”