Couple sues B.C. Women’s Hospital

Alleges $8,200 in jewelry was stolen from locker during delivery of baby

A Vancouver couple is suing B.C. Women’s Hospital and Health Centre after a thief stole valuables they’d placed in a locker during the delivery of their baby.

Erin Gilmore and her husband, Nelson Borges, went to the hospital in Vancouver last Dec. 1 when Gilmore experienced symptoms suggesting surgical delivery was required.

A nurse identified in the lawsuit only as “Nurse Doe” told them they were not allowed to wear their normal clothes or carry personal belongings into the operating room.

The couple was told that their belongings would be kept in a locker in a secured area of the hospital but they were not provided a lock for the locker, according to their claim.

While the couple was in the operating room, a man identified only as John Doe went into the secure area, which he was forbidden from entering due to his “negative security history” with the hospital, and stole their clothing and personal belongings, the writ alleges.

Items stolen from the couple included a necklace, earrings, a wedding ring and an engagement ring, and are worth at a total of $8,200.

John Doe’s security record with the hospital was known to Nurse Doe, the writ alleges.

“The hospital and Nurse Doe were negligent in not having secured storage available for the claimants,” it adds.

“The hospital and Nurse Doe were further negligent in not advising the claimants of John Doe’s negative security history and/or for allowing John Doe access to the secured area.

“As a result of the negligence of the hospital and Nurse Doe, the claimants have suffered personal injuries consisting of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.”

In addition to the $8,200 in lost valuables, the couple seeking damages for pain and suffering and lost wages.

The lawsuit contains allegations that have not been tested in court.