Poisoner responsible for seven patient deaths at Stockport's Stepping Hill closer to being caught, say GMP

By Dean Wilkins

The poisoner who deliberately contaminated products at Stockport’s Stepping Hill Hospital is closer to being caught following extensive investigations by detectives.

A total of 22 patients were affected by excessive insulin amounts between June 1 and July 15 2011 – seven of whom tragically died.

Tracey Arden, 44, Arnold Lancaster, 71, Derek Weaver, 83, William Dickson, 82, Linda McDonagh, 60, John Beeley, 73, and Beryl Hope, 70, all lost their lives because of the poisoning.

A further 20 other patients suffered hypoglycaemic episodes but following investigations they are not believed to be victims of poisoning.

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, but it won't be until the very end of the criminal or coronial process that these questions will be properly answered.

"Ultimately our aim is to ensure justice for all victims.

Investigating the case, GMP have generated more than 3,800 pieces of work, spoken to 800 members of staff and obtained information relating to more than 2,300 people including patients, hospital staff and visitors.

Detective Superintendent Barraclough added: "The sheer size and complexity of this investigation is reflected in the number of inquiries that we have done, those still to do and the specialism surrounding all medical evidence and the invaluable and necessary involvement of the various exerts who are supporting and assisting us.

"I want to take the opportunity to thank all the staff at Stepping Hill. I know the past 12 months have been an extremely difficult and challenging time for them but they have offered us their full and unwavering support throughout.

"It is important to note that we continue to work with them regarding the safeguarding of patients and since we were alerted back in July last year no other products have been contaminated."

For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.