LONDON - Manchester News: Achamma Cherian, an Indian-origin nurse (Malayali), is in critical condition after being allegedly attacked by a patient with scissors at Royal Oldham Hospital in Manchester, U.K on January 13, 2025. The incident took place when the accused grew agitated after having to wait for a medical checkup, while Mrs. Cherian was attending to another patient when the accused stabbed in her neck with scissors.
The assailant, 37-year-old Roman Haque, has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon. Achamma, a devoted nurse, is now getting care at multiple hospitals. Her colleagues and family are being supported as she carries on her fight for recovery. Authorities have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public, and the incident is not believed to have any racial motive.
Cherian has been described by her colleagues as an experienced and well-loved member of the hospital staff, having worked at Royal Oldham for nearly ten years. A representative from the Indian Association Oldham (IAO) expressed disbelief at the attack, remembering Cherian for her kindness and dedication to her patients. After the incident, Greater Manchester Police assured the public that no other suspects were involved, and the community’s safety is not at risk.
The attack has triggered widespread outrage among healthcare workers and community leaders. Health Secretary Wes Streeting condemned the violence against nurses, pointing out that attacks on healthcare staff seem to be increasing and undermining the vital work they do in the NHS. Local MP Jim McMahon called the assault “senseless,” stressing the need for better protection for healthcare workers.
The British Indian Nurses Association clarified that there is no indication the attack was racially motivated, urging that violence against healthcare workers in any form should not be tolerated.
About the Victim: Achamma Cherian
Cherian, described as a “wonderful and skilled” nurse, has been working at Oldham Royal Hospital for over a decade. A mother of two, she is also actively involved with the Indian Association Oldham (IAO), a community service group and Hindu temple.
Neighbors say Cherian has lived near the hospital with her husband, Alexander Chandy, since 2007. She was well-known for her dedication to night shifts and was highly respected by both her colleagues and the local community.
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed there are no other suspects involved, and they assured the public there is no greater threat. Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized that nurses are “the backbone of our NHS” and should not face violence while doing their jobs.
Oldham West MP Jim McMahon condemned the attack as senseless, while Marimouttou Coumarassamy, chairman of the British Indian Nurses Association (BINA), stressed that there is no racial motive behind the incident and assured the public that Cherian is receiving the medical care she needs.