Two ambulance trust workers have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter following the deaths of six people. Both individuals were employed by the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) and remain on conditional bail.
Wiltshire Police launched the investigation in 2023 after receiving an initial report. The force has conducted detailed inquiries to establish the facts surrounding several adult deaths in and around Wiltshire.
Investigation timeline
A man in his thirties from West Wiltshire was arrested in June 2024 on suspicion of six counts of gross negligence manslaughter and four counts of ill-treatment or wilful neglect by a care worker. A 59-year-old woman was arrested in March this year on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker from the major crime investigation team confirmed the ongoing major investigation. He said: "Our focus is on supporting the families and loved ones of those who have died, and we would ask the media to respect their privacy at this time."
Trust response
The ambulance trust immediately initiated an internal investigation upon becoming aware of concerns, which resulted in a prompt police referral. Two members of staff were suspended and immediately relieved of all duties, including patient treatment.
A SWASFT spokesman said: "We would like to reassure people that this is an isolated situation and there is no ongoing risk to patients. Please continue to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency." One of the initially suspended individuals is no longer employed by the trust.
Trust background
The Care Quality Commission's last inspection rated SWASFT as "good" overall. The watchdog found caring was rated as outstanding, while effective, responsive and well-led were rated as good, though safety remained as requires improvement.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
