Stockport NHS Foundation release media statement after Victorino Chua guilty verdict

“These were shocking and appalling crimes that took place when the patients should have been receiving nothing but the highest quality care.

“This has been an extremely difficult time for the victims and their families and our thoughts have been with them throughout this time. This has been a very complex and lengthy investigation. We are sorry for the distress they suffered at the time of the incidents and during the course of bringing Victorino Chua to justice.

“Our storage of saline and management of prescription charts at the time of the incident was typical of those in other hospitals across the country. Whilst no hospital’s systems and processes can offer a complete guarantee against the actions of a determined criminal, additional measures are now in place which go beyond standard practice. These put our organisation at the forefront of best practice in this field and include CCTV in all ward treatment and drug storage rooms, electronic prescribing and an enhanced system for locking treatment rooms and storing insulin.

“What is clear from the evidence is that an extremely dangerous criminal has been brought to justice. In part this was due to staff identifying the problems quickly and also fully assisting the police investigation.  We would like to thank our staff for showing great professionalism throughout this time. They have been determined that these heinous crimes should not overshadow the good care delivered every day to our patients.

“Whilst Victorino Chua’s crimes are truly dreadful, we are sure patients will understand that they have no bearing at all upon our care. Our hospital has a strong track record and good reputation. We are grateful for the outstanding public support and confidence in our services and are pleased that this has never wavered.”

Chua injected insulin into saline bags and ampoules, leading to a series of insulin overdoses as other nurses unknowingly administered them to patients. After Police were called in, he began sabotaging prescription charts and trebling doses, which led to his arrest in January 2012.

He was found guilty at Manchester Crown Court of Murdering Tracy Arden, 44, and Alfred Weaver, 83. In addition to this, Chua was found guilty of 22 counts of attempted grievous bodily harm, one count of grievous bodily harm, seven attempts of administering poison and one count of administering poison.