This is the first image of the nurse at the centre of an alleged attack at Royal Oldham Hospital. Achamma Cherian - named in court documents - is recovering at home after being discharged from hospital, an NHS trust boss has said in an update on the case.
She was involved in an alleged incident at the hospital's acute medical unit on Saturday night (January 11). The nurse, in her 50s, is known as Asha to friends and family. "It was a heavily distressing event for all concerned," the chief executive of the NHS trust which runs the Royal Oldham Hospital today (Wednesday, January 15). "Thankfully, our colleague is now at home, which is good news." Dr Owen Williams, who heads the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust - which operates Royal Oldham - said 'the impact of these events has been quite significant' for 'several colleagues'.
He told an NHS Greater Manchester board meeting today the hospital is 'trying to get as much wrap-around support for them as possible'.
Dr Williams added that the hospital was thankful to NHS staff across the country who had offered support and help. He said the trust would be involved in court proceedings.