Advertisement

Murder Charge After Woman's Hospital Death

Murder Charge After Woman's Hospital Death

A man has been charged with the murder of a 53-year-old woman at a psychiatric hospital in Gloucester.

Ryan Matthews, 61, of Horton Road in the city, will appear at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on Saturday.

Health care assistant Sharon Wall, who lived in Gloucester, died after being stabbed at the inpatient unit of Wotton Lawn Hospital on Wednesday.

In a statement released by police, the grieving family of Ms Wall said: "We would like to thank everyone for their support and such kind words that have been said about Sharon.

"She was nothing less than one in a million and to say that she will be missed is an understatement.

"We would ask for people to respect our privacy and allow us to grieve for her at this difficult time."

Shaun Clee, chief executive of 2gether NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are all deeply shocked by the tragic incident that occurred on one of our inpatient wards.

"The extremely sad event, which resulted in the death of a highly compassionate and dedicated colleague, has had a profound impact on everyone working in our trust.

"Sharon Wall was a well-respected healthcare assistant and everyone who knew her speaks about her warmth, caring nature and good sense of humour.

"She will be deeply missed by colleagues and the service users she supported.

"Above all, our thoughts remain with Sharon's friends and family. On behalf of colleagues across our trust, I extend our most sincere and deepest sympathies."

In the wake of the tragedy, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "The events in Gloucestershire are devastating and our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the staff member involved."

The 2gether website said Wotton Lawn Hospital is an 88 bed acute mental health hospital close to the city centre which provides inpatient services for the county.