News

Police investigation at Cumberland Infirmary after tampering fears

A police investigation is under way at North Cumbria University Hospitals Trust after staff noticed a small number of saline bags appeared to have been tampered with in the Cumberland Infirmary.
Cumberland Infirmary_tile_Alamy.jpg

A police investigation is under way at North Cumbria University Hospitals Trust after staff noticed a small number of saline bags appeared to have been tampered with in the Cumberland Infirmary.


North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust said it had increased security
measures since the incident. Picture: Alamy

According to a statement issued by the trust, Cumbria Police were alerted to the issue when the problem was discovered last Wednesday by a member of staff who informed senior clinicians.

It said that since the incident the trust had instigated ‘considerable work’ to review medicines across the hospital and increase security measures. 

North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust medical director Rod Harpin said: ‘I can confirm that the trust contacted the police on Wednesday, 4 January, regarding a small number of saline bags at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle that appear to have been tampered with.

Serious incident procedure

‘We immediately implemented our serious incident procedures and there is no indication that any patients have been adversely affected, but we continue to monitor this closely.

‘Patient safety is our absolute priority and we will continue to work closely with the police.’

Stepping Hill insulin overdoses

In 2015, hospital nurse Victorino Chua was jailed for life for injecting insulin into saline bags and ampoules while working on two acute wards at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport in June and July 2011.

These were unwittingly used by other nurses, causing a series of insulin overdoses to mainly elderly victims.

He was ordered to serve a minimum of 35 years after being sentenced for two murders and 20 other poisonings.

If patients have any questions or concerns, they can contact North Cumbria University Hopsitals NHS Trust on 01228 814 247. 

Jobs