Child dies ‘after being poisoned’ and nurse arrested over death

A nurse has been arrested on suspicion of ‘administering poison’ following the death of a child.

The 27-year-old was arrested hours after the tragedy at Birmingham Children’s Hospital on Thursday.

She has also been suspended after detectives detained her allegedly administering poison with intent to endanger life.

A source told The Sun the arrest had sent ‘shockwaves’ through the hospital.

West Midlands Police said: ‘We have arrested a 27-year-old woman in connection with the death of an infant.

‘The child sadly passed away on Thursday at hospital.

‘The woman was arrested on Thursday evening at a property in the West Midlands area on suspicion of administering poison with intent to endanger life.

‘She has been released while the investigation continues and the results of forensic tests are examined.

‘The family of the child are being supported by specially-trained officers.’

In a statement, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust said: ‘Following the death of an infant at our Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, we have asked West Midlands Police to examine what has happened, in line with our own safeguarding policy.

‘The staff member involved has been suspended by the trust following the national process on the sudden unexpected death of a child.

‘We are supporting the infant’s family at this distressing time and ask that privacy is respected in this process.’

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