SHOCKED staff at one of Scotland's busiest hospitals have hit out at the vandals who have repeatedly trashed their cars.

The Evening Times can reveal a police investigation is underway after a number of workers at the Southern General Hospital were left facing big repair bills for deliberate damage to cars.

Furious nurses and doctors claim they have put up with a "six-month nightmare" but say they are getting no support from health-board bosses.

The vandalism has occurred inside the hospital grounds near the spinal injuries unit.

All incidents have taken place between 10pm and 7am – while staff are working on night shifts.

One worker, who did not wish to be named, said: "It's just pure vandalism. Even when they steal things, it is pretty worthless stuff, like CDs.

"They rip off wing mirrors and smash windscreens. It really is a nightmare.

"All we want to do is come to work, park our cars, and know that they are safe. But this just isn't happening.

"Nothing has been done to help us and this just can't be allowed to continue any longer."

The worker called on health chiefs to rethink their security policy in car parks.

She added: "It's getting out of control and it's now time for the bosses to do something about it. We need more security in the car park at night.

"Staff have started nipping out on breaks to check their cars, but what if we are confronted by these vandals?

"It could be very dangerous."

But in a statement, the health board claimed they have more than 150 CCTV cameras covering the hospital's grounds. A spokeswoman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: "We are aware that there have been a number of recent break-ins to cars parked at the Southern General Hospital.

"These have been reported to Strathclyde Police and we are working closely with them.

"The car parks at the hospital are well-lit and are all monitored by CCTV.

"There are more than 150 CCTV cameras covering the hospital site.

"In addition our car-parking wardens patrol the car parks Monday-Friday between 9am and 5pm."

A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police said the force is investigating the incidents.

She said: "We are currently investigating these reports and our enquiries are ongoing."

Anyone with any information about the attacks is asked to contact Strathclyde Police on 0141 532 2000.

rebecca.gray@heraldandtimes.co.uk