Detectives were already examining the deaths of three patients at Stepping Hill Hospital, in the Greater Manchester area, after saline solution was found to have been deliberately contaminated with insulin.
A 27-year-old woman was arrested early Wednesday on suspicion of murder in relation to the deaths of Tracey Arden, 44, George Keep, 84, and Arnold Lancaster, 71, police said.
She was named by the Press Association news agency as Rebecca Leighton, a nurse working at the hospital.
Greater Manchester Police have not named the suspect but, when asked about Rebecca Leighton, referred CNN to a police statement on the arrest of the 27-year-old woman and their investigation into the deaths of five people.
Strict security measures have been put in place at the hospital amid concern that other patients may be affected by sabotaged products.
The latest investigations involve an 84-year-old woman whose cause of death could not be established and an 83-year-old man who died Thursday after suffering a hypoglycemic episode on July 11.
Greater Manchester Assistant Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said Thursday: "As with the deaths of George Keep, Arnold Lancaster and Tracey Arden, the cause of this man and woman's death is not known and it is important we do not lose sight of this fact."
Hospital staff first contacted police on July 12 after saline solution was found to be contaminated, resulting in abnormally high numbers of patients with low blood sugar levels, Greater Manchester Police said.
Last week, police said that aside from the suspicious deaths of Keep, Lancaster and Arden, a further 11 people were thought to have been affected by contaminated products.
Hopkins said it is likely police will be asked by the local coroner to investigate further deaths at the hospital.
"I cannot emphasize enough how complex an investigation this is, requiring detailed forensic and medical analysis, and want to take the opportunity to thank the hospital and staff for their ongoing help and support," he said.
Chris Burke, the chief executive of the hospital, issued a statement Friday saying: "It was the staff at the hospital who brought this matter to our attention and I've asked them to continue to be extra vigilant to help safeguard patients.
"We have increased security both in terms of access to the hospital and access to medicines and already replaced all saline ampoules across the hospital."
COMMENT: I think this leads to uncertainty among patients and that these cases do not know if what you are putting your good or is totally unlike them evil bone. would be good to find those guilty for this crime if it is a very cruel.
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