This website is intended for healthcare professionals only.

Hospital Healthcare Europe
Hospital Pharmacy Europe     Newsletter    Login            

Ward reopens after gun suicide

The ward at Northampton General Hospital where a man shot himself dead has been reopened, and patients and staff offered counselling.

The man, thought to be aged 63, shot himself in the head in a six-bed bay on Benham Ward, which holds around 28 people, shortly before 11am on Monday.

A hospital spokesman said police had finished forensic investigations and the ward was thoroughly cleaned before being reopened for evening visiting hours.

Nobody else was hurt, and Northamptonshire Police have confirmed that they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the shooting.

Sonia Swart, medical director at Northampton General Hospital, said they do not routinely search patients or visitors coming into the hospital.

She said she had spent several hours with the man’s family, and they wanted his condition and the circumstances of his death to remain confidential.

She said: “We have interviewed all patients and offered them psychological support. Staff have also been offered psychological support. We have spoken to patients in adjacent wards and visitors.”

Copyright PA Business 2008

Northampton General Hospital

x