THREE hospital workers are being investigated by police over the suspicious death of a patient.

Sussex Police launched a manslaughter inquiry after the death of 77-year-old Joan Dixon at St Richard's Hospital in Chichester.

Mrs Dixon of High Street, Findon, near Worthing, died after receiving what officers believe was an overdose of heart medication.

Those arrested were a 23-year-old woman from Chichester, a 40-year-old man from Emsworth in Hampshire and a 37-year-old man from Chichester.

All have been questioned by detectives and released on bail while the officers carry out further inquiries.

Details of the investigation only emerged following a Freedom of Information request made to Sussex Police by The Argus for allegations of crime reported at the county's hospitals.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: “It is alleged the victim died as a result of being administered an overdose of the heart medication digoxin by hospital staff.

“Three members of staff have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

“Pathologists have confirmed that the victim died as a result of digoxin toxicity.

“The incident has been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service and St Richard's Hospital is assisting police with the investigation.”

Digoxin helps an injured or weakened heart work efficiently and send blood through the body.

It strengthens the force of the heart muscle's contractions and may improve blood circulation.

It is commonly used to treat the symptoms of heart failure.

It may also be prescribed if the patient has an irregular heartbeat rhythm to help slow down the heart rate.

The staff involved are not currently working on the hospital wards and are not involved in any direct contact with any patients.

Details of the positions where they worked have not been revealed.

Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, said: “The trust is acutely aware of how distressing these circumstances are for the family, and once again would wish to extend its condolences to them.”

The three members of staff are due to answer bail on November 29 and 30.

The trust was yesterday referring calls on the incident, which happened on October 19, to Sussex Police.

An inquest into Mrs Dixon's death has been opened and adjourned until November 2.

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