Police examine ten deaths linked to Blackpool hospital stroke unit

Lancashire Police are investigating the deaths of ten patients who received care on the stroke unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, with possible manslaughter and neglect offences under consideration.

Officers are examining whether the care received by four patients — Margaret Hamilton, Joan Walker, Geoffrey Duckworth and Peter Whittaker — was directly connected to their deaths. The investigation is considering potential corporate or gross negligence manslaughter.

The deaths of six other patients — Ronald Humphrys, Norman Littlewood, Joseph McCabe, Doreen O’Connor, David Philpott and Muriel Wallace — are being examined for possible ill-treatment or wilful neglect by care workers or the hospital trust.

Details of the continuing investigation emerged during a pre-inquest review. Police have been examining allegations concerning the treatment of elderly and vulnerable patients on the stroke unit since 2018, with previous criminal proceedings involving the unlawful sedation of patients and the misuse of medication.

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it continued to cooperate fully with Lancashire Police but could not comment further while the investigation remained active. No findings have yet been reached in relation to the ten deaths.

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