Man charged with attempted murder after nurse stabbed in hospital

A man has been charged with attempted murder after a nurse was stabbed at a hospital.

Rumon Haque, 37, has also been charged with possession of a bladed article after the incident at Royal Oldham Hospital’s acute medical unit on Saturday.

The victim, a woman in her 50s, is being treated for “serious” injuries.

Mr Haque, from Royton in Oldham, will appear at Manchester magistrate’s court on Tuesday.

Det Supt Matt Walker, of Greater Manchester Police, 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.”

Nurse left with ‘life-changing’ injuries

The nurse, who is understood to be a mother, was left with “life changing” injuries following the incident.

Police said the weapon used in the alleged attack was a “sharp instrument” rather than a knife and the suspect had been detained and arrested swiftly at the scene.

Eyewitnesses had claimed that there had been a row about waiting times prior to the incident.

Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, paid tribute to all nurses, describing them as “the backbone of our NHS”.

He wrote on social media: “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.”

Professor Nicola Ranger, the general secretary of and chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing, 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 every right to do so without the fear of violence. All employers have a duty to keep their staff safe and authorities must ensure those endangering healthcare professionals face the full force of the law.”

Jim McMahon, the MP for Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton, called the stabbing a “senseless attack” and wished the victim a full recovery.

Mr McMahon, who is also a local government minister, wrote on Facebook: “We are all shocked at the senseless attack on a nurse [at] the Royal Oldham Hospital.

“Our thoughts are with the nurse, family and friends as we wish a full recovery.”