Hospital may face manslaughter case after deaths

Following the conviction of a number of healthcare professionals who mistreated patients at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Lancashire Constabulary have confirmed they are investigating whether corporate failings contributed to the death, ill-treatment or neglect of patients on the Stroke Unit.

- by Emma Downey

The inquiry is focused on the period between 2014 and 2018, and a range of offences remain under consideration.

A police spokesperson said: “This is a complex and extensive investigation. We cannot comment further at this time, but we will provide updates when we are in a position to do so.”

The investigation was launched in October 2023 after the prosecution of five health care workers for drug offences, with two of them jailed for sedating or conspiring to sedate patients to keep them quiet.