Something Doesn't Add Up

"I don't like it, Sarge. Look, she says he attacked her, but he was already here, at this station, asking for help. Then he went to the hotel. What, did he go home again and stick her in the eye, and then come back here? Or did she wait around for a day before she tootled off to the hospital? With trauma to her eye? She was worried she'd lose sight in it, she said so. She must have gone as soon as it happened..."

"Maybe. How long was she kept in for observation?"

"Look it says here... no, that can't be right, because look, she said she'd been discharged that morning... Maybe she made a mistake. She was pretty upset. It all comes down to when she actually got to the hospital."

"Ring the hospital and ask. And check with the hotel whether he left after checking in. They'll have CCTV."

"Righto, Sarge."

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[Phone rings, routed to hospital Duty Manager]

Good evening, Duty Manager speaking.

Evening. Detective Stratford, South Mercia CID. I’m following up on a patient who attended earlier—female, mid-thirties, presenting with an eye injury. The name is Nona [REDACTED]. I need to confirm her time of arrival and the nature of the injury. It’s part of an active investigation.

Understood. I’ll need to confirm authorisation before releasing anything. Just to clarify, you're needing confirmation of attendance time and triage notes only?

That's right. Just basic intake details.

All right. I’ll escalate to the on-call clinical lead and respond once written authorisation is in place. I’ll call you back as soon as I can.

Much appreciated.

[Call ends.]

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Email: Authorisation to Disclose

From: Dr. Miriam Kaye, On-Call Clinical Lead

To: Ruth Holden, Duty Manager, St. Cuthbert’s Hospital

CC: Information Governance

Subject: Disclosure Authorisation - Police Request re: Nona [REDACTED]

Dear Ruth,

Following your escalation, I confirm that limited disclosure to South Mercia CID is authorised under public interest grounds. The request pertains to a criminal investigation and meets the threshold for proportionate release.

You may confirm the following to Detective Stratford:

- Time of patient arrival

- Nature of injury as recorded at triage

- Transport method

- Whether safeguarding concerns were raised

Please ensure the disclosure is logged and that no further clinical detail is shared without formal request.

Regards,

Dr. Miriam Kaye

On-Call Clinical Lead

St. Cuthbert’s Hospital

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[Phone rings – South Mercia CID switchboard]

Receptionist: South Mercia CID, how can I help?

St. Cuthbert’s Hospital returning a call for Detective Stratford. It’s regarding a patient enquiry.

**Receptionist:**

One moment, I’ll put you through.

[Line transfers]

Stratford.

Thanks for your patience. We’ve received written authorisation to release the requested details. Disclosure is logged.

Go ahead.

Patient arrived at 19:46. Presented with trauma to the left eye. Arrived by taxi. No safeguarding request was made. She didn't name an attacker, just insisted she'd had an accident at home.

Was she alone?

Yes. No escort, no third-party contact.

Thank you, you've been very helpful. If we need anything further, we’ll submit a formal request.

You're welcome. Is there anything else you need from us tonight, Officer?

No, thank you. Have a good evening.

Goodbye.

[Call ends.]

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