Saline drip poisoning case ‘making progress’

Detectives investigating the deaths of seven hospital patients who were poisoned with insulin say they are making “good progress”.

It is nearly a year since staff at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport, Greater Manchester, raised the alarm after they found contaminated vials of saline and noticed “unexplained” low blood sugar levels in patients.

Police later found the saline drips of 22 people had been deliberately contaminated between 1 June and 15 July last year.

They are reviewing and analysing each of the hundreds of interactions all those patients had with a member of staff or visitor during their time at Stepping Hill.

Experts have conducted a series of specialist medical tests including comprehensive examinations of drugs present in the body before and after death, as well as any signs of natural disease.

The levels of insulin administered have been measured and clinical reviews have taken place of the patients’ state of health before admission to hospital.

A similar analysis of 20 other patients who suffered hypoglycaemic episodes but who are not believed to be victims of poisoning is also being conducted.

The tampering affected patients on acute care wards for seriously ill patients.

The deaths of Tracey Arden 44, Arnold Lancaster, 71, and Derek Weaver, 83, are being investigated as murders while those of Bill Dickson, 82, Linda McDonagh, 60, John Beeley, 73, and Beryl Hope, 70, are being treated as cases of grievous bodily harm as tests continue.

Detective Superintendent Simon Barraclough said: “We have set ourselves the task of understanding and proving how each person was poisoned, how and if this caused or contributed to their deaths and obviously who is responsible.

“To that end we are making good progress. Ultimately our aim is to ensure justice for all victims.”