Mum campaigns to replace toys stolen from Sick Kids hospital

A MUM-OF-THREE has raised hundreds of pounds to replace Xbox controllers and DVDs that were stolen from a playroom at the Sick Kids Hospital.

The Sick Kids hospital. Picture: Dan Phillips

Shelley Fisher made the discovery when she accompanied her 14-year-old son to the hospital on Monday for an operation to treat his inflammatory bowel disease.

After trying to find video game controllers in one of the play areas, nurses informed her that they had been repeatedly stolen, along with the TV remote control and DVDS of the popular Disney film, Frozen.

The 32-year-old said it was “disgusting” that people would steal from a hospital and has raised nearly £500 to ensure that other young patients do not miss out.

Shelley, of East Calder, said: “I was just gobsmacked. You could understand if a few little toys went missing as kids will pick up all sorts but who is stealing Xbox controllers?

“How can anyone justify that? I just couldn’t believe people were taking things meant for ill children.”

Shelley, who works in membership services for David Lloyd gyms, set up a fundraising page on Tuesday night.

She said: “I just think it is disgusting and I could see so many other people did too. I wanted to so something to say thanks to the staff and to try to give back.”

Thieves have made off with fridges, computers and a microwave from NHS Lothian hospitals in the past, while the Sick Kids hospital has previously had a flat screen TV and a PlayStation console stolen.

Unison health branch representative Tom Waterson said thefts were an unfortunate occurrence in hospitals.

He said: “You just don’t want to imagine that anyone steals things from hospitals but unfortunately things do get taken.

“It is absolutely mindblowing that people would do that, particularly from a children’s hospital.”

Dr Jean Turner, patron of the Scotland Patients Association, called for improved security measures to be introduced in hospitals to curb thefts of this kind.

She said: “I think it is really dreadful when things are stolen that have been donated, as a lot of money and hard work goes into these things. When you are lying in your hospital bed and people are stealing things it is absolutely horrible. I would be guarded about replacing any of these things before there is improved security.”

Sharon Russell, clinical nurse manager at NHS Lothian, said: “NHS Lothian takes issues of security seriously and we are concerned and disappointed when any items are stolen. We are really grateful to everyone involved in the campaign.”

To make a donation visit www.gofundme.com/2cntmpw4.

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