Hospital thief takes jewellery from frail pensioner

A POLICE investigation has been launched after a frail pensioner claimed she had £1000 worth of jewellery, including a treasured piece from her late husband, stolen from a Lothians hospital as she was treated for a head injury.

May Calder, 81, was wearing three golden necklaces when she was rushed to St John's Hospital in Livingston after a bad fall earlier this month.

And while she recalls having the items removed before treatment, when she was discharged three days later they were missing.

"After I fell I was taken in by ambulance and was a bit concussed, but I remember a lady taking the three chains from me before I went in," said the Broxburn woman.

"Then by the time I got home three days later I realised I didn't have them back with me."

As well as the financial loss, two of the three pieces held significant sentimental value.

One, a gift from her late husband Charles who died seven years ago, contained a masonic ball which itself is worth several hundreds of pounds.

There was also a solid gold necklace from Saudi Arabia which has her name engraved in Arabic, with the remaining item a belcher chain.

She said: "They were all very special to me and I never took them off.

"My husband gave me the masonic ball and it was a way of reminding me of him every day.

"I've had them for a lot of years and the longer I don't have them the more I worry I'll never see them again."

Both NHS Lothian and the police are investigating the incident, but have not yet confirmed it was definitely a theft.

Mrs Calder, however, remains convinced that foul play was involved.

"If they'd just been misplaced surely they'd have found them by now," she added.

"I've been on the phone to the hospital several times and I've told them I don't think they're bothering about it.

"The whole thing has been really upsetting, it's not something you expect to happen in hospital."

The Evening News revealed earlier this year that more thefts occur at St John's than any other Lothians hospital.

In 2009 there were a total of 25 incidents, which included a 500 mountain bike and 400 worth of tools.

But the most notable instance was when a 10,000 eye scanner was thieved in July.

Tracey McKigen, general medicine service manager for NHS Lothian, said: "We have met with Ms Calder and assured her that an internal investigation is underway.

"The matter has also been reported to the police, and therefore it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further."

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders police said: "We are investigating a report of jewellery theft from St John's Hospital in Livingston. Anyone with any information should come forward."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0131-311 3131.