Important Message from Diane Wake and Mel Roberts

January 13, 2025

Dear colleagues,

You may be aware of the recent and deeply concerning incident involving a nurse who was stabbed in the A&E department of Royal Oldham Hospital. Although this did not occur within our organisation, this is a distressing and shocking incident and we understand how upsetting and unsettling this news can be, particularly for those working in similar environments.

We want to reassure you that your safety and wellbeing remain our highest priority. While incidents like this are rare, they highlight the importance of vigilance and robust safety measures. We are reviewing our own protocols to ensure they are as strong as possible and continuing to work with security teams to maintain a safe workplace for everyone.

We also want to remind you that support is available. If this news has affected you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your line manager or the health and wellbeing team, where confidential support is available here.

These situations are a stark reminder of the incredible work you do every day in caring for others, often under challenging circumstances. Please know how much you are valued and appreciated, and don’t hesitate to share any concerns or ideas about improving safety or support.

We are here for one another, and we encourage you to look out for your colleagues and take care of yourselves during this time.

Thank you, as always, for your dedication and professionalism.

Signed by Diane Wake, Chief Executive and Mel Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer.