Royal Bolton Hospital: Woman traumatised after attack

Sarah Ridge, 20, originally from Westhoughton, went with her mum to the hospital after her grandma was rushed to A&E due to dehydration on Thursday February 8.

Sarah told The Bolton News that she was attacked whilst in the waiting area and a clump of her hair was pulled out whilst being pushed against a corridor wall.

She said: “I was emotional, and it traumatised me and made my anxiety worse.

“It was really scary, and I didn’t know what to do.

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“I think it’s ridiculous that something like this can happen, especially with the security guards there, and I think they should be more aware of what’s going on.

“It’s given me major PTSD.”

Sarah attends regular appointments at the hospital for anxiety and epileptic seizures but says that this experience has put her off going back to the hospital.

She said: “It has put me off going to the hospital and I didn’t process it properly until the day after.”

After the incident Sarah says that she was told that another person was also attacked the day before she was attacked.

Her dad Owen says he was “very shocked” when he learned what happened and drove from Golborne to pick his daughter up.

He said: “I was very shocked.

“She has felt horrible going to work and has had panic attacks.

“This is now making her feel unsafe to go back.

“I feel let down by the hospital because somebody was not doing their job at the time.

“I know staff shouldn’t be attacked, but patients and visitors shouldn’t be attacked either.”

The hospital has said they are aware of the incidents and are “working closely” with the police.

They also want to reassure patients and visitors that safety is their “highest priority” and that they treat all incidents “extremely seriously”.

Rae Wheatcroft, Chief Operating Officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are aware of a couple of incidents last week and are working really closely with the police as they continue with enquiries.

“The safety of our patients and visitors is always our highest priority and we take all incidents extremely seriously.”

Police confirmed that a female in her 30s was arrested on suspicion of common assault and remains in police custody, and enquiries are ongoing.

A spokesperson from Greater Manchester Police said: “On Thursday February 8 2024 at around 4.30pm, officers were called to reports of an assault at the Royal Bolton Hospital on Minerva Road, Farnworth.

“A female in her 30s was arrested on suspicion of common assault and remains in police custody.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”

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