Cheltenham nurse arrested over concerns about sleeping pill use

A nurse was arrested on suspicion of abusing a patient.

The unnamed Cheltenham General Hospital worker was suspended from duty in recent weeks over concerns about possible misuse of a type of sleeping pill called Zopiclone, according to the BBC.

The alleged incident occurred in a ward for elderly patients.

In a statement, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it took “immediate action” as soon as concerns were raised.

Gloucestershire Constabulary has confirmed an investigation is underway.

It continued: “One person has been arrested and released on bail while investigations continue.”

The employee was arrested on suspicion of ill-treatment or willful neglect of a person, police added.

The NHS website describes zopiclone as “a type of sleeping pill that can be taken for the short-term treatment of severe insomnia”.

It is understood one line of police investigation will be to determine whether there are wider concerns and whether other patients are affected.

The hospital is separately conducting its own investigation into the incident.

In a statement, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “As soon as concerns were raised, we took immediate action, including reporting the matter to the police and contacting the family directly.”

“An employee has been suspended and an internal investigation is ongoing. We continue to cooperate fully with all relevant authorities.”

“It would not be appropriate to release any further information while the investigation is ongoing.

“We continually support the family and our employees. The Trust is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all patients, visitors and staff.”

The trust has asked anyone with information to contact its Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).