Death ruled out of saline investigation

Detectives investigating the sabotage of saline solution at a hospital say the death of an 84-year-old woman is no longer part of their inquiry.

The case of Vera Pearson was referred to Greater Manchester Police by Stockport Coroner John Pollard last month because of concerns about her low blood sugar level.

Her death at Stepping Hill Hospital on July 12 was not among the tally of 14 patients that police initially believed had been affected by a batch of 36 saline vials contaminated with insulin.

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Officers earlier ruled out the death of George Keep, 84, of Cheadle, whose death on July 14 had also been linked to the inquiry.

The investigation continues into the deaths of multiple sclerosis sufferer Tracey Arden, 44, of Heaviley, who died on July 7, retired photographer Arnold Lancaster, 71, of Romiley, who died on July 11, and Derek Weaver, 83, from Stockport, who died on July 21.

The alarm was raised when more patients than normal were reported to have “unexplained” low blood sugar levels.

Stepping Hill nurse Rebecca Leighton, 27, of Buxton Road, Heaviley, has been charged with three counts of criminal damage with intent to endanger life and three counts of being reckless as to whether life was being endangered. The charges relate to the alleged tampering of saline ampoules, saline bags and medical products.She is also accused of theft of medicines. She is due at Manchester Crown Court on October 17 for a plea hearing.