A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a nurse was seriously injured in a stabbing at a hospital.

The woman, aged in her 50s, was left with life-changing injuries in the attack at Royal Oldham Hospital’s acute medical unit (AMU) at about 23:30 GMT on Saturday.

Greater Manchester Police said officers believe a member of the public attacked her with a sharp instrument, which was not a knife. She remains in hospital for treatment.

A 37-year-old man was arrested and remains in police custody.

Det Sgt Craig Roters appealed for information, adding: “We know that news of this nature will come as a shock.

“The local community can expect to see an increase in police presence while we carry out enquiries, but they are also there to offer reassurance and answer any questions you may have.”

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said on X nurses “should be able to care for patients without fear of violence”.

His post added: “My thoughts are with the nurse and her loved ones following this horrific attack at The Royal Oldham Hospital.

“Nurses are the backbone of our NHS and should be able to care for patients without fear of violence.

“We’re in touch with the Trust and will update further as we can.”

Heather Caudle, the chief nursing officer at Northern Care Alliance NHS Trust – which covers Oldham – said staff were “incredibly shocked and saddened by last night’s incident and our focus is on supporting the colleague involved and their family”.

She added: “Our thoughts are also with colleagues and patients who were there at the time of the incident and for whom this has been distressing and frightening.”

She said they were working with police and all services at the hospital would remain open.

In a social media post, Oldham West MP Jim McMahon, who is also a minister for local government, expressed his shock at what he described as “a senseless attack”.

He said his thoughts were with the staff member, her family and friends and wished her a full recovery.