Two ambulance workers arrested over six Wiltshire deaths in manslaughter probe

Two ambulance service workers have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter as part of a two-year Wiltshire Police investigation into six adult deaths in the county, authorities said. The suspects are accused of leaving seriously ill patients at home instead of transporting them to hospital after responding to 999 calls. One is a male paramedic facing six counts of gross negligence manslaughter and four counts of ill-treatment or wilful neglect by a care worker; the other is a 59-year-old emergency care assistant charged with gross negligence manslaughter. Both have been released on conditional bail while inquiries continue.

The two workers, who were employed by the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, are alleged to have manipulated the electronic patient record (EPR) system to mark patients as well or suitable for home care, enabling them to end job on 999 call-outs without ensuring hospital transfer. The Evening’s investigation is part of a broader inquiry that began after a report to Wiltshire Police in 2023. Police have said the deaths occurred in and around Wiltshire, with authorities seeking to determine exactly what happened in each case.

Police announced the June 2024 arrest of a man in his 30s from West Wiltshire on suspicion of six counts of gross negligence manslaughter and four counts of ill-treatment or wilful neglect by a care worker. In March of this year, a 59-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. Both suspects have been released on conditional bail as officers continue to gather evidence. Police have emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing, with a focus on supporting the families and protecting the integrity of the process.

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust said the deaths were an “isolated incident” and that it promptly referred concerns to Wiltshire Police after initiating an internal investigation. A spokesperson noted that two staff members were suspended, with one later dismissed, and added that there is no ongoing risk to patients while the probe continues. The trust also said it would have no further comment at this stage. A police spokesman echoed this stance, saying authorities would not provide a running commentary to speculation to safeguard the investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker, who leads the major crime investigation team for Wiltshire Police, confirmed the broader investigation into multiple adult deaths and outlined the timeline of arrests. He said the enquiry began after the initial report in 2023 and noted that inquiries have proceeded to ascertain the facts. He reaffirmed the commitment to respecting the privacy of families affected by the cases as the investigation proceeds. He also highlighted the legal threshold for gross negligence manslaughter, which involves a breach of a duty of care that creates a serious and obvious risk of death, as defined by the Crown Prosecution Service.

The case comes amid historical scrutiny of the South Western Ambulance Service, including internal and external reviews of bullying and harassment. In 2022, one station within the trust was described in internal reports as the so-called “Mafia Station,” following allegations of bullying, intimidation and harassment. While the Care Quality Commission rated the trust as overall “good” in its 2022 inspection, it flagged that emergency and urgent care services required improvement. The trust said it had taken steps to address concerns and had been working with regulators and investigators through the ongoing inquiry.

Internal communications from the trust to staff indicated that the probe followed a concern raised with Wiltshire Police and that the suspensions were part of an immediate response to the developing situation. The trust underscored its commitment to patient safety and cooperation with law enforcement while reiterating that it would refrain from providing further details until the investigation concluded. Police urged the public to respect the privacy of those involved as the investigation continues.

While media reports have identified the suspects, police have not publicly released names as the inquiry remains active and privacy protections apply to those involved and their families. Officials stressed that the case is highly technical and require thorough, careful examination of medical records, patient observations, and on-scene actions prior to patient transport decisions. Investigators have emphasized that they are carefully reviewing electronic patient records and other documentation to determine whether patient care standards were breached and whether those actions contributed to the deaths.

The review of the electronic patient record system, a centralized digital platform containing a patient’s medical history, care interactions, and treatment notes, is central to the investigation. Authorities say any changes to observations or notes that could misrepresent a patient’s condition would be critical to establishing the facts in six separate cases. As the inquiry continues, public health officials and the trust are urging people to seek emergency care when needed and to rely on ambulance services for acute emergencies.