Nurse sacked from saline poisoning hospital
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A nurse at the centre of alleged saline tampering at a hospital has been sacked. Rebecca Leighton, 28, was released without charge six weeks after being arrested on suspicion of murder when patients at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport, Greater Manchester, were poisoned.
Charges that she tampered with saline solution with intent to endanger life were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) later lifted its suspension of Ms Leighton, who has always denied the allegations, and said she could return to Stepping Hill if the hospital approved.
At an NMC disciplinary hearing she admitted stealing opiate-based drugs but said they were to treat her own throat infection. It emerged last night that she was sacked after an internal disciplinary hearing.
Stockport Hospital Foundation Trust declined to comment.