Police investigating death threat against head of Milton Keynes Hospital

Shocked Mr Harrison said the threat was intended to "frighten and control" and he has reported it to police.

He said on Twitter: "Today I received a death threat as CEO. The threat came as a response to media access."

It is thought the threat was prompted by the hospital's decision to allow Ross Kemp and his camera crew access to the hospital to film last week's ITV documentary Ross Kemp: On the NHS Frontline.

Before the documentary aired, thousands of people had criticised hospital bosses for permitting Ross and a cameraman to film in the Covid-19 intensive care unit. They complained that relatives were not allowed to see their loved ones and it was unfair that a TV personality should be allowed in,

But after the film was aired most people were full of praise, saying it had shown the dedication and love of the NHS staff at the hospital.

Mr Harrison said today: "I have never been concerned about giving media access to the hospital I am privileged to lead, because I am proud of my staff and the care we provide."

He added: "Today I worried. I guess that’s what these threats are designed to do.

"I welcome debate and will listen to feedback on any issue. Threats like this aren’t debate. They are meant to frighten and control. I do not tolerate abuse and violence against NHS staff and I will call it out."