Novichok, Spies and Spires

In March 2018 two patients were admitted to Salisbury District Hospital critically ill due to poisoning with the nerve agent, Novichok. A police officer was also poisoned requiring admission to intensive care, and another individual was treated as an outpatient for local effects of contact with the agent.

All made a full recovery.

However, in June 2018 two other victims, apparently unconnected with the first, were also admitted, and one of these died.

Debriefs, learning events and further investigations continued into 2019, the inquest into Dawn Sturgess’ death opened in 2020 and the public enquiry is still ongoing.

As Medical Director of the Trust, closely involved in the strategic, clinical and operational aspects of these incidents, Christine will reflect on what she has learned personally as a leader as well as the lasting impact on the hospital and the community. Many of the lessons learned are applicable to the Covid pandemic.