- James May, 76, found dead at James Paget University Hospital, Great Yarmouth, Suffolk
- Hospital refuses to confirm whether arrested staff member is doctor or nurse
- Middle-aged man has been bailed by police after questioning
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A member of medical staff at an NHS hospital was arrested today on suspicion of murder after the death of an elderly patient.
Police began an investigation after it was alleged the death of retired driving instructor James May, 76, was due to him being given a drugs overdose.
The member of staff, who has been identified only as a middle-aged man, was later released on bail by officers.
Murder scene: A member of NHS staff has been arrested after patient James May, 76, was found dead at James Paget University Hospital, Great Yarmouth, Suffolk
Mr May died in the early hours of September 20 at the 400-bed James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.
The divorcee, who lived alone in Great Yarmouth, had been admitted the previous evening.
Norfolk Police and hospital officials refused to disclose if the arrested member of staff was a doctor, a nurse or another health professional.
A Norfolk Police statement said the hospital had informed police on September 30 about 'an allegation of medical malpractice' in connection with a patient's death.
The statement added: 'The death is being treated as suspicious and an investigation, led by the joint Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team, is currently underway.
'This morning a member of the hospital's medical staff, a middle-aged man, was arrested by officers on suspicion of murder.'
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Durham, senior investigating officer, said: 'We are investigating an allegation that a drugs overdose was administered to a patient, leading to his death.
'A Home Office post-mortem, carried out earlier this week, determined the cause of Mr May's death as heart failure and we now await the results of further toxicology tests which will help inform our inquiry.
'We understand that this news may generate concern and it's important for us to underline that our investigation, which is still at an early stage, is based on a single report of an isolated incident and that the hospital trust is co-operating fully with the investigation.'
The Home Office post-mortem examination was carried out at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital last Wednesday.
It is alleged the victim died after being given an overdose. A hospital spokesman has refused to say the whether the member of staff arrested is a nurse, doctor, or any other employee
It is believed that the member of staff was arrested at his home.
A Norfolk Police spokeswoman confirmed Mr May had no children or grandchildren.
She added his next of kin had been informed and were being supported by Police Family Liaison Officers.
Hospital spokesman Jon Dack said: 'The James Paget University Hospital has called in the police following the suspicious death of a 76-year-old man.
'This follows an allegation of medical malpractice made by a member of staff after the patient's death on Friday 20 September. This matter was investigated internally and subsequently referred to the police.
'The police joint Major Investigation Team has launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death.'
Mr Dack refused to say why Mr May had been admitted to the hospital.
Christine Allen, chief executive of the James Paget University Hospital Trust, said: 'Our thoughts are with the family of this patient at what is a very difficult time.
'Our priority is patient safety and we understand that this news will cause concern. At this time, we believe it is an isolated incident and relates to the alleged action of a single member of staff.
'The member of staff against whom the allegation has been made is absent from the Trust and will not return until the investigation is completed.
'Throughout this difficult period, the James Paget University Hospital will continue to provide the best possible care to our patients and we are fully co-operating with the police.
Anyone with any concerns or who may wish to speak to an officer with information in relation to the inquiry can contact the Major Investigation Team on 01953 424533 or 424528.
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