Here are five things to know:
1. The arrest follows an investigation into the mysterious deaths of 17 babies and 15 “nonfatal collapses” at the top-tier public hospital between March 2015 and July 2016. The investigation was called “Operation Hummingbird.”
2. The female suspect worked in the neonatal unit of the hospital; no further details about her position were released.
3. “As a result of our ongoing inquiries we have today arrested a healthcare professional in connection with the investigation,” Paul Hughes, a detective on the case, told CNN. “She was arrested earlier this morning on suspicion of murder in relation to eight of the babies and attempted murder in relation to six of the babies and is currently in custody.”
4. Few details about the investigation were released. Police are asking the public for any relevant information.
5. Ian Harvey, Countess of Chester’s medical director, said he is confident the neonatal unit is safe in its current form and emphasized hospital officials are doing everything possible to support the investigation.
More articles on clinical leadership and infection control:
How a 4-part system can help classify sepsis severity
Intermediate hospital occupancy linked to higher C. diff rates, study finds
10 recent findings on antibiotic stewardship and resistance
