Cancer patient hit by hospital thief

Fraser and Chris Munroe are happy with the hospital's response. Photo / Richard Robinson

A thief sneaked into the room of an elderly cancer patient to steal his watch and cellphone while he was having surgery.

Fraser Munroe, a former school principal who normally receives radiation treatment as an out-patient, was in Auckland City Hospital having treatment for an abscess.

The 81-year-old said he would normally have given his wife, Chris, the items for safe keeping but the surgery was confirmed in a relatively short time so he instead placed them on the bedside table and a shelf in his room.

When he returned from surgery, they were both gone.

The couple, who were married last year after more than 20 years together, have spoken to the Herald about last week's theft to warn others about the risks of leaving belongings unattended in hospital.

Mrs Munroe, 57, said she was disappointed at the opportunistic nature of the crime. "The watch was $20 and the cellphone was given to us secondhand. I'm more concerned about the fact that someone can go into your room and take those things."

Her husband, who has since been discharged, acknowledged that the remote location of his single room made it difficult for it to be monitored by security. They have reported the incident to the hospital and are happy with the way the case is being handled.

"It's really my own fault. We've reported it and the nurses have been fantastic but I really don't expect to get anything back."

The Auckland District Health Board's general manager of operations, Ngaire Buchanan, said ward staff were still investigating the incident. CCTV footage was being studied in an effort to identify the culprit.

Mrs Buchanan acknowledged "the distress that incidents like this can cause a patient and their family" and urged patients to be vigilant.

More than 230 cases of theft were reported to the ADHB between 2006 and August 2011, including laptop DVDs used to distract children receiving treatment.

The DVDs were stolen from the Starship hospital last year.

Mrs Buchanan said the ADHB had several initiatives in place to minimise theft including CCTV outside ward entrances and lifts.

She said patients should leave valuables at home or hand them to security staff for storage in the hospital safe. There were clear signs around advising them of this.

"We cannot take responsibility for the theft of any valuables that are left unsecured."

Have you been a recent victim of theft while in hospital? Email newsdesk@nzherald.co.nz