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Emergency staff praised in aftermath of Manchester attack

Emergency services have been working through the night in Manchester to assist in the aftermath of a terror attack, which has killed at least 22 people and left 59 injured.

Emergency services have been working through the night in Manchester to assist in the aftermath of a terror attack, which has killed at least 22 people and left 59 injured


Emergency services attending the incident in Manchester last night. Picture: Getty Images

Police were called to Manchester Arena at 10.33pm last night after an explosion at the end of a concert by Ariana Grande – a singer popular with children and teenagers.

North West Ambulance NHS Trust said it sent 60 ambulances to the scene, and the injured are being treated at eight hospitals across the Manchester area. 

Outstanding response

Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins said it was being treated as a terrorist incident.

‘I want to thank all those members of the emergency services and other agencies who have worked tirelessly through the night in very difficult circumstances,' he said.

‘Their response has been outstanding. This has been the most horrific incident we have had to face in Greater Manchester and one that we all hoped we would never see.'

Chief constable Hopkins said the police believed the attack had been conducted by one man, who died at the arena after detonating an improvised explosive device.

He added that the priority was to establish whether he was acting alone or as part of a network.

‘Families and many young people were out to enjoy a concert at the Manchester Arena and have lost their lives,’ he said.

‘Our thoughts are with those 22 victims that we now know have died, the 59 people who have been injured and their loved ones – we continue to do all we can to support them.'

NHS Confederation chief executive Niall Dickson said: 'Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this shocking tragedy.

'Together with the other emergency services, frontline NHS responders, managers, and other staff have once again responded superbly to a major incident and are providing the treatment, care and support that is needed.

'It is at times like these that as a society we really appreciate how important the health service is in all our lives.'

Nurses' support

There has been an outpouring of support for those affected, with nurses and nursing students among those expressing sadness, support and offers of help on Twitter.

One nurse said she was 'absolutely heartbroken' about what happened, adding: 'Being a nurse in Manchester tonight I've seen how amazing our NHS is.'

Another said: 'Proud that my mum's a nurse and been doing her bit all night.'

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Ann Barnes wrote: 'So proud of all the staff and on call teams in caring for the injured over night.

'Heartfelt sorrow to families of loved ones lost and hurt.'

Stockport medical director Colin Wasson also praised staff at the trust: 'A big thank you to all staff who came in to support last nights major incident. We are grateful and proud of you all – a fantastic team effort.

Southampton Children's nurse and researcher Duncan Randall wrote: 'We stand in solidarity with all children's nurses in Greater Manchester today and with those affected.'

University of Salford lecturer in children and young people’s nursing Wendy Sinclair tweeted her support for her nursing students affected by the event and advised them to come and see her today.

Blood donors

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) said it has enough blood stocks at present so no additional drives are planned, but anyone interested in donating blood should book an appointment to do so.

NHSBT director of blood donation Mike Stredder said: 'Our thoughts are with the people affected by this tragic incident.

'We do have all the blood required for hospital patients at the present time, however, we are always keen to encourage new donors to register and existing donors to book an appointment which can be done at
Blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23 to find your nearest session.

'If you have an appointment to give blood in the next few days, please do your best to keep it, particularly if you are blood group O negative.'

Greater Machester Police said emergency numbers have been established for anyone who is concerned for loved ones who may not have returned home 0161 856 9400 or 0161 856 9900.


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