Paramedic fired over Stafford campaign Facebook comments

Julie Bailey started a campaign to raise standards of care in the NHS after the death of her mother

A paramedic has been sacked over abusive comments made on Facebook about a Stafford Hospital campaigner.

Murph Guest was fired by West Midlands Ambulance Service after comments appeared online expressing the hope that Julie Bailey would suffer "a life-threatening illness".

The service said Mr Guest would be referred to the Health and Care Professions Council (HPC) on charges of serious professional misconduct.

He could be struck off if found guilty.

Staffordshire Police conducted an investigation into the messages but said they did not warrant criminal charges.

Both Mr Guest and Ms Bailey have so far been unavailable for comment.

The posts were made on the 'We support the front-line staff at Stafford Hospital' Facebook group in February.

One said: "Julie Bailey, I hope you suffer a life threatening illness at night where you have to travel furthur [sic] than you should do because your local hospital is closed (your fault)."

Another post threatened her with physical violence.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We can confirm that, following a formal investigation into comments made on Facebook, a member of staff has been dismissed.

"The case has also been referred to the Health and Care Professions Council."