Paramedic suspended over Facebook remarks

A PARAMEDIC who wrote he hoped health campaigner Julie Bailey would suffer a "life threatening injury" has been suspended by ambulance chiefs.

Police have also launched a probe into comments made by Murph Guest, who warned the Stafford Hospital protest leader to "leave the staff alone" on a Facebook site set up in support of medics.

Mr Guest had posted his comments on a page called, 'We Support The Frontline Staff at Stafford Hospital'.

He wrote: "Julie Bailey, I hope you suffer a life threatening illness at night when you have to travel further than you should do because your local hospital is closed (your fault)."

Mr Guest added: "Go back to yer bacon butties and leave the staff alone." He has since apologised.

West Midlands Ambulance Service trust yesterday confirmed that it has suspended the Stafford-based paramedic with 16 years service.

A spokeswoman said: "The trust is taking the matter seriously and has suspended the member of staff whilst a formal internal investigation is carried out.

''Staffordshire Police are conducting their own investigation and we are cooperating with them to assist with their enquiries.

"Once again, the trust would like to reiterate its disappointment with the comments made by a staff member on such a sensitive issue."

Ms Bailey founded the Cure The NHS pressure group in 2007 following the death of her 86-year-old mother Bella at Stafford Hospital.

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