Patient charged over alleged hospital thefts worth thousands

A hospital patient is accused of stealing thousands of dollars of personal property, medical equipment and "Secret Santa" gifts for staff.

A woman was allegedly spotted rifling through other patients' personal belongings at Auckland City Hospital last Friday and police were contacted.

Police say she was then found with the stash of property in her possession.

Ngaire Buchanan, Auckland District Health Board general manager of operations, said she was extremely disappointed to learn about the patient's alleged thefts.

"Respect for, and safety of, others in a hospital, at what are often very stressful personal times anyway, is very important to the care we provide," she said. "Like most hospitals, ADHB advises patients to avoid bringing valuable items into hospital unless absolutely necessary."

Ms Buchanan said the hospital could accept responsibility for cash, jewellery, watches or other valuables only when handed over to a nurse or midwife for safekeeping and a receipt issued.

Patients were advised about these regulations before being admitted, she said.

It could not be established yesterday why the woman had been admitted to hospital.

A 32-year-old Parnell woman will appear in the Auckland District Court today on a number of burglary and theft charges.