Three children’s sudden and unexpected deaths “were discovered at the hospital, where a nurse was detained on suspicion of poisoning”

A hospital where a nurse was arrested on suspicion of poisoning is now facing revelations of sudden and unexpected deaths of three children. The Birmingham Children’s Hospital, known for having the largest pediatric intensive care unit in Britain, has been conducting a review into cases of patients treated there since January 2022. The results of this review, including the three deaths in question, have been handed over to the police.

In one instance from May of the previous year, medical staff reportedly expressed concerns when a child’s condition deteriorated rapidly and tragically led to their death the following day. A 28-year-old nurse was subsequently arrested by the West Midlands Police on suspicion of intentionally administering a harmful substance. She has been suspended by the trust, and her nursing privileges have been revoked, preventing her from practicing elsewhere.

Families of patients whose cases are under review have also been informed about the findings. Dr. Fiona Reynolds, the Chief Medical Officer at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, acknowledged the swift response of the hospital to the situation, which resulted in the staff member’s suspension and subsequent arrest. The hospital’s thoughts remain with the family of the child who passed away.

These developments come amid the recent conviction of neonatal nurse Lucy Letby, who was found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to kill six more at the Countess of Chester Hospital. The Prime Minister has announced a judge-led inquiry into what has been called Britain’s most prolific child killing case of modern times. The nurse, Lucy Letby, received a life sentence without the possibility of parole for her crimes.