South Western Ambulance worker rearrested after six people die

A man working as an ambulance worker has been arrested once again in connection with the deaths of six adults, with police now suspecting him of two additional offences. The individual, aged 35 and residing in west Wiltshire, is being investigated on further charges of wilful neglect by a care worker.

Previously, this man was apprehended in September on suspicion of multiple serious offences, including six counts of gross negligence manslaughter and four counts related to ill-treatment or wilful neglect. He was subsequently released on conditional bail and remains under these conditions. Alongside him, a 60-year-old woman also involved in the investigation continues on conditional bail; both had been employed by the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT).

The arrests are part of Operation Willow, a significant inquiry launched in 2023 following concerns brought to the attention of Wiltshire Police about several adult deaths within a healthcare environment in the Wiltshire region. Both suspects were suspended from their roles immediately when the investigation was underway and are no longer working for the ambulance trust.

Representatives from SWASFT have stated that once concerns emerged, an internal investigation was swiftly initiated, leading to a prompt referral to the police. They stressed that patients are not currently at risk, encouraging the public to continue using emergency services appropriately. However, due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, the trust has declined to provide further comments at this time

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More