A 53-year-old hospital worker has died after being stabbed at a mental health unit in Gloucester. Sharon Wall, a grandmother, was attacked while finishing her night shift at Wotton Lawn Hospital around 7:30am on Wednesday. A man in his 60s, believed to be a patient, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Colleagues and neighbours described Wall as a devoted and caring individual. A neighbour said: 'She was a passionate and caring person. Things like this shouldn't happen to people at work.' A former colleague added: 'She was truly amazing... all the patients loved her, which is why it's even more shocking.'
Despite desperate attempts by fellow staff to save her, Wall died about an hour later at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. The health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, expressed devastation, saying: 'Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the staff member involved.'
Wotton Lawn is an 88-bed acute mental health hospital run by 2gether NHS foundation trust. The trust confirmed the incident but would not disclose Wall's role, though it is understood she was not a nurse. Hospital officials will review safety arrangements following the attack.
Police were called at 7:30am and the suspect was taken into custody. A police spokesman said: 'A man in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody.'
