Countess of Chester Hospital.
A HEALTH worker arrested last July on suspicion of the murder of eight babies and the attempted murder of six babies at the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital has been rearrested.
The healthcare professional has now also been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of three additional babies.
Detective Inspector Paul Hughes of Cheshire Constabulary, who is in charge of the investigation, said: “In July 2018 a healthcare professional was arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to the deaths of eight babies and the attempted murder of six babies at the neonatal unit at The Countess of Chester Hospital. She was subsequently bailed pending further enquiries.
“As part of our ongoing investigation we have today (Monday, June 10) rearrested the healthcare professional on suspicion of murder in relation to the deaths of eight babies and the attempted murder of six babies. She has also been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of three additional babies.
“The woman is currently in custody helping officers with their enquiries.
“Cheshire Constabulary launched its investigation two years ago. Since then, a dedicated team of detectives have been working on this highly complex and very sensitive case.
Women and Children’s Building at the Countess of Chester Hospital
“I would like to reassure people that we are doing everything we can as quickly as we can to identify what has led to these baby deaths and collapses.
“Due to the nature of this investigation it is extremely challenging but it is important to remember that it is very much active and ongoing – there are no set timescales and we remain committed to carrying out a thorough investigation as soon as possible.
“We fully appreciate that it continues to have a big impact on all those involved – including the families of the babies, staff and patients at the hospital as well as members of the public.
“Parents of all the babies are continuing to be kept fully updated and are being supported throughout the process by specially trained officers. This is an extremely difficult time for all the families and it is important to remember that, at the heart of this, there are a number of bereaved families seeking answers as to what happened to their children.
“At this stage, we are unable to go into any further details about the investigation but as soon as we can provide any further updates we will do.
“If anyone has any information that they want to pass onto the investigation team they are encouraged to get in touch via the Operation Hummingbird mailbox at operation.hummingbird@cheshire.pnn.police.uk.
“Information can also be passed on via the Major Incident Public Portal mipp.police.uk/operation/9901020317C89-PO1 or anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.”
Chief Executive at the Countess of Chester Hospital Susan Gilby said: “Our thoughts are with the bereaved families, we are cooperating fully with the ongoing police investigation and so are unable to comment further at this time.”
The healthcare professional has been rearrested on suspicion of murder in relation to the deaths of eight babies and the attempted murder of six babies based on further evidence that has been gathered as part of the ongoing investigation.
She was not rearrested due to bail time limits, as there is no set timescale for this – and police say this is constantly under review based on the individual circumstances of a case.
Police added they do not have a set timescale for this but remain committed to carrying out a thorough investigation as soon as possible.
The force says a file has not been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision. However, it liaises with CPS on a regular basis – as it does with any ongoing investigation.
