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Paramedic suspended over Julie Bailey Facebook comments | Paramedic suspended over Julie Bailey Facebook comments |
(about 2 hours later) | |
A paramedic has been suspended after abusive comments were posted online about a Stafford hospital campaigner. | A paramedic has been suspended after abusive comments were posted online about a Stafford hospital campaigner. |
Murph Guest, from West Midlands Ambulance Service, apparently wrote on Facebook that he hoped Julie Bailey suffered "a life-threatening illness". | Murph Guest, from West Midlands Ambulance Service, apparently wrote on Facebook that he hoped Julie Bailey suffered "a life-threatening illness". |
In a statement, the service confirmed that comments made on Facebook regarding Ms Bailey were posted by a member of staff. | In a statement, the service confirmed that comments made on Facebook regarding Ms Bailey were posted by a member of staff. |
The trust said an internal investigation would now take place. | The trust said an internal investigation would now take place. |
"The trust is taking the matter seriously and has suspended the member of staff from work whilst a formal internal investigation is carried out," a spokeswoman said. | "The trust is taking the matter seriously and has suspended the member of staff from work whilst a formal internal investigation is carried out," a spokeswoman said. |
Staffordshire Police is conducting its own inquiry which the service is co-operating with, she added. | Staffordshire Police is conducting its own inquiry which the service is co-operating with, she added. |
The force said it had been made aware of the Facebook comment and would be making contact direct with Ms Bailey. | The force said it had been made aware of the Facebook comment and would be making contact direct with Ms Bailey. |
Ms Bailey started the Cure the NHS campaign group in 2007 following the death of her mother, Bella, 86, at Stafford Hospital. | Ms Bailey started the Cure the NHS campaign group in 2007 following the death of her mother, Bella, 86, at Stafford Hospital. |
'Ill-informed' | |
The posts were made on the 'We support the front line staff at Stafford Hospital' Facebook group. | The posts were made on the 'We support the front line staff at Stafford Hospital' Facebook group. |
One said: "Julie Bailey, I hope you suffer a life threatening illness at night where you have to travel furthur [sic] than you should do because your local hospital is closed (your fault)." | One said: "Julie Bailey, I hope you suffer a life threatening illness at night where you have to travel furthur [sic] than you should do because your local hospital is closed (your fault)." |
Another post threatened her with physical violence. | Another post threatened her with physical violence. |
Mr Guest has been unavailable for comment and his Facebook profile has been deleted. | Mr Guest has been unavailable for comment and his Facebook profile has been deleted. |
Ms Bailey claimed on Wednesday the comments highlighted problems with the culture among some NHS staff. | |
"It is a minority of people who really are ill-informed," she said. "We're not responsible for closing any part of the hospital, it's the people who failed our loved ones who would be ultimately responsible. | |
"There are some fantastic staff there at Stafford, but unfortunately they have been let down by some colleagues." |
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