HOSPITALwards across Glasgow have been hit by hundreds of thefts in past five years.

 

Money, valuable belongings and clothes are just some of the items which were reported stolen in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) buildings.

Medical and IT equipment has also been swiped.

Since 2010 there have been 571 reported incidents of thefts at hospitals and specialist units.

Those range from 148 incidents of money being taken, 99 reports of valuable possessions going missing, and 113 reports of stolen IT equipment.

There were also 30 reports of clothing being snatched, four incidents of controlled drugs being stolen and a stolen pair of glasses.

Thieves also made off with seven TVs and 14 vehicles.

A spokesman from the health board said most wards had "some form" of security measures but thieves were still targeting items.

A nurse working in Glasgow, who asked not to be identified, said: "Most of the time it's money and valuables stolen from patients and staff.

"Some patients take a lot of money into hospital because they might not know how long they're in for.

"We once had a DVD player stolen from an unlocked office. Patients have to take responsibility for their belongings.

"It's best to lock things up."

Last year there were a total of 102 reports, with the largest number of incidents taking place at the Southern General.

A total of 21 thefts were reported at the Southern General, followed by 15 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and 10 at the Western Infirmary.

There were six reports of items being stolen at Yorkhill Hospital last year, including, clothing, valuable items and two vehicle thefts.

During the past five years there have also been 81 unspecified incidents. The health board would not expand on the types of thefts.

The figures were obtained through freedom of information requests.

Matt McLaughlin, Unison Scotland Regional Organiser said the union was "acutely aware that theft is an issue right across the health service in Scotland".

He added: "There are a number of reasons for that - sometimes it is people being careless and not realising they need to be careful with belongings. We would obviously encourage people to be vigilant.

But in terms of alleged thefts from staff and patients, that is a major concern for us.

"We would encourage people to be sensible and think about safety first."

A health board spokesman said: "NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has experienced the theft of various materials from our estates and buildings.

"This is particularly common in buildings which are large and open. The majority of wards in our hospitals have some form of security measures including intercom and bell ringing but unfortunately items of equipment are still a target for thieves.

"We constantly ask our staff and patients to be both responsible and vigilant. Our security staff also works closely with local police."

It came after thieves stole £1300 worth of materials from Glasgow's new Ronald Macdonald house for sick kids last Tuesday at the new South Glasgow Hospital.

Police launched an investigation.