A nurse has been arrested on suspicion of poisoning two colleagues at a West Sussex hospital.

Officers were called in to investigate two alleged incidents involving pain relief drugs at Horsham Hospital in May and July, police said.

The woman, 60, has been bailed by police and suspended from work.

A police spokesman said there was no suggestion of any risk to patients or to the public. Hospital authorities are conducting an inquiry.

Eileen Clark, Interim Director of Operations at West Sussex NHS Primary Care Trust, said: "I can confirm that a member of staff has been suspended from working at Horsham Hospital, and arrested by Sussex Police.

"We are now working closely with Sussex Police officers to offer them any assistance they require to complete their investigation. We cannot offer any further comment on the matter at this time.

Colleagues' allegations

"It is important to stress that the police investigation is not concerned with matters of patient safety, or direct patient care.

"Patient safety is of course our highest priority, and so to give us complete reassurance we have also commissioned an external review to satisfy us that patients received the appropriate care at all times."

A statement from Sussex Police said: "Police are investigating two reported incidents at Horsham Hospital - one in May and a second in July, 2009.

"As a result a 60-year-old Horsham woman has been arrested for allegedly administering poison with intent to injure, following allegations from two colleagues.

"She remains on police bail and has been suspended from work.

"There were no reports of similar incidents being uncovered during this investigation and there is no suggestion that there was any risk of harm to patients or members of the public."