Warning as thug is sent down for nurse attack

Woman awaits HIV test results after bloodied dressing thrown in her face
HOSPITAL bosses have reiterated their tough stance against violence towards staff after an Oldham man was jailed for attacking a nurse.

James Michael Hudson (21), from Wood Crescent, Holts, was jailed for four months by Oldham Magistrates after throwing a blood-soaked dressing in a nurse’s face.

He was being treated for a head wound by casualty nurse Danielle Hesketh (41), from Shaw, at the Royal Oldham Hospital on New Year’s Eve when he grabbed her by the arm and threw his dressing at her.

When jailing Hudson, who was charged with battery, magistrates said the offence was so serious that only a custodial sentence was appropriate.

But the agony continues for mother-of-two Ms Hesketh who is still waiting for the results of tests for HIV and hepatitis following the incident.

The senior staff nurse said: “I’m sure I speak for most NHS staff in saying that we should not have to be subject to or tolerate any aggressive or abusive behaviour at work. We are here to do a job, to care and treat patients.

“Obviously this incident and court case has been very upsetting for me and I’m pleased it is now over and has been dealt with properly and appropriately by the police and the courts.”

A spokesman for the Pennine Acute Trust, which runs The Royal Oldham Hospital as well as hospital in Bury, North Manchester and Rochdale, said violent or aggressive behaviour, or verbal abuse towards staff was unacceptable and would not be tolerated.

He said: “This case sends a strong message that those who wilfully attack or abuse and display acts of violence and aggression towards any NHS staff will not be tolerated.

“We are pleased that the police and Crown Prosecution Service are helping bring perpetrators to justice.”