Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Countess of Chester Hospital

Nurse rearrested in connection with baby deaths at Cheshire hospital

The woman was first arrested in July last year.

A NURSE IN the UK has been rearrested by police over the deaths of babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital in England. 

Chesire Constabulary first launched its investigation two years ago and arrested the woman last July on suspicion of murder in relation to the deaths of eight babies – and also on suspicion of the attempted murder of six other babies. 

The woman was rearrested today in connection with the attempted murder of three other babies at the hospital, Detective Inspector Paul Hughes said in a statement. 

The woman is currently in custody assisting officers with their enquiries, he said. 

Last year, the hospital in Chester contacted the police after a clinical review found no “definitive explanation” for an unexpected increase in the number of baby deaths and collapses at the unit.

A review by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health found “no single cause” to explain the increase and highlighted “inadequate” staffing levels.

The hospital stopped providing care for babies born earlier than 32 weeks in July 2016. It looks after about 400 babies in its neonatal unit every year.

Since the investigation was launched two years ago, a dedicated team has been working on “this highly complex and very sensitive case,” Hughes said in a statement. 

“Parents of all the babies are continuing to be kept fully updated and are being supported throughout the process by specially trained officers,” Hughes said. 

“This is an extremely difficult time for all the families and it is important to remember that, at the heart of this, there are a number of bereaved families seeking answers as to what happened to their children.”

Comments are closed for legal reasons 

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Author
Cónal Thomas
Close
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds