Lucy Letby, the nurse convicted of killing seven babies and attempting to harm six others, has been sentenced to life in prison. This case brings to light the disturbing trend of murderous healthcare professionals in the UK, joining the likes of Harold Shipman and Beverly Allitt. Let’s explore the notorious figures in Britain’s healthcare system who have been found guilty of murdering their patients.
Harold Shipman, famously known as “Doctor Death,” was a respected GP who preyed on elderly individuals after gaining their trust. Over a span of 27 years, he is believed to have intentionally administered fatal doses of the painkiller diamorphine to hundreds of victims, disguising their deaths as natural causes. It wasn’t until the suspicious death of an 81-year-old woman, shortly after Shipman’s visit, that he attracted attention. Shipman’s killing spree began in Pontefract General Infirmary in the early 70s, and he was arrested in 1998. He was eventually convicted of 15 murders and sentenced to life in prison. After his death, it was discovered that Shipman’s crimes were more extensive than initially thought, with an estimated death toll of 250, making him the most prolific serial killer in British history.
Beverley Allitt, a nurse who also worked with children, followed a similar path as Letby. During her time at Grantham Hospital in Lincolnshire in 1991, she targeted children originally admitted for minor injuries and used various means, including insulin and dangerous air bubbles, to try to kill them. Four children tragically lost their lives, and several others were left with life-altering injuries. Allitt was caught when medical staff became suspicious of the unusually high number of patient deaths. She was diagnosed with Munchausen’s syndrome, a mental illness that drives individuals to harm others for attention. Currently residing in a high-security psychiatric facility, she may be eligible for parole once transferred to a regular prison.
Benjamin Geen, another nurse, was sentenced to life in prison in 2006 for his thrill-seeking poisonings. Only 25 years old at the time, Geen injected patients with powerful painkillers to induce respiratory arrest, deriving excitement from resuscitating them. He was convicted of poisoning 17 patients over a 42-day period, resulting in two deaths. Although Geen claimed innocence, an investigation into the unusually high number of cases that occurred during his shifts led to his arrest. While he may not have intended to kill, his actions betrayed the trust of both his profession and his patients. Despite doubts raised about his conviction, Geen remains in prison.
Colin Norris, known as the “angel of death,” was a nurse sentenced to life in 2008 for a string of killings and attempted murder. Norris targeted elderly patients during his time at Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s Hospital, using insulin overdoses to cause hypoglycaemia. Four women died as a result, and a fifth patient survived the attempted murder. Norris’s disdain for elderly patients, whom he felt were too demanding, contributed to his crimes. However, doubts have emerged regarding his conviction, leading the Criminal Cases Review Commission to refer all five cases to the Court of Appeal for further examination. Updates on the appeal’s progress have not been published since 2021.
Victorino Chua, known as the “devil” nurse, was convicted in 2015 for murdering two patients and poisoning 19 others. Chua, a Filipino national, injected insulin into saline bags and other medications, which were unknowingly administered by fellow nurses. This random method of poisoning left patients’ lives to chance. Two individuals died, and others sustained permanent brain damage. Chua’s actions were described as wicked and despicable by the sentencing judge. The investigation into his qualifications revealed inadequate checks, allowing him to work in the NHS. Chua was given a minimum of 35 years in prison, ensuring he will not be eligible for parole until he reaches the age of 84.
These cases of murderous healthcare professionals highlight the devastating abuse of trust that can occur within the healthcare system. The actions of individuals like Letby, Shipman, Allitt, Geen, Norris, and Chua have had tragic consequences for their patients and their families. It is crucial that the healthcare industry maintains rigorous screening processes and constant vigilance to prevent such atrocities in the future.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
