Shameful toll of hospital thefts
THIEVES swiped wallets, mobiles, a wheelchair and even a hearing aid from Macclesfield Hospital.
Figures from 2014 revealed nine reports of theft from East Cheshire Hospital Trust.
The catalogue of items pilfered from staff, patients or visitors included a picture frame, a handbag, six mobile phones, a wallet containing £50, coats, a purse and £746 in cash.
The list – obtained using the Freedom of Information Act – also shows that thieves stole medical equipment including a wheelchair and a hearing aid
Macclesfield Hospital wasn’t the only hospital targeted last year.
Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport reported 17 thefts, and University Hospital of North Midlands, which runs North Staffordshire Hospital, recorded five thefts.
Mark Brearley, East Cheshire NHS Trust’s director of finance, urged patients not to bring valuables to hospital.
He said: “While Macclesfield District General does not experience a high number of thefts compared to many other hospitals, we take any incidents extremely seri- ously.
“We make every effort to ensure the security of patients and visitors on the site through close monitoring of the hospital’s CCTV system, a 24-hour on site security team and general vigilance among our staff.
“However, hospitals are very busy buildings with a lot of public areas and many people passing through them each day.
“The trust cannot accept any responsibility for the loss of personal property so we urge patients and visitors to leave valuables at home wherever possible and keep any items brought into hospital secure.”