Two employees of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) have been arrested as part of a major investigation into six deaths in Wiltshire. Wiltshire Police confirmed that a man in his 30s 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 also arrested in March 2025 on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker stated that the investigation began in 2023 after an initial report was made to Wiltshire Police. Both individuals have been released on bail while enquiries continue. The force emphasised that it is focusing on supporting the families of those who have died.
SWASFT confirmed that as soon as concerns were raised, an internal investigation was initiated, leading to a prompt police referral. The trust suspended both staff members immediately, relieving them of all duties including patient treatment. One of the individuals is no longer employed by the trust.
A trust spokesman reassured the public that this is an isolated situation with no ongoing risk to patients, urging people to continue calling 999 in life-threatening emergencies. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) confirmed awareness of the police investigation but stated it is not currently involved. The trust's last CQC inspection rated it as 'good' overall, with caring rated as 'outstanding', though safety remained 'requires improvement'.
