Key Takeaways
- An 88-year-old woman, Lucinda Dalton, claims that £400 went missing from her purse while she was at Arrowe Park Hospital.
- The hospital has advised the public not to bring large sums of money into the hospital and to formally hand them over to a member of staff for safe keeping.
- The hospital has investigated the incident and has found no evidence of theft, but has offered to support any police enquiries.
- The incident has been reported to Merseyside Police, who are appealing for information and have launched an investigation.
- The incident has caused distress to Mrs Dalton, who was already having a tough time after losing her husband.
Introduction to the Incident
The incident occurred when Lucinda Dalton, an 88-year-old woman, was rushed to A&E at Arrowe Park Hospital after she fell and fractured her pelvis. She had been talking to her sister in the back garden of her home in Parkgate when she tripped over a paving stone and fell to the floor. She was taken to the hospital via ambulance, where she was given medication and became woozy. Her sister, who had driven to the hospital behind the ambulance, arrived at the hospital and stayed with Mrs Dalton, except to go to the toilet.
The Discovery of the Missing Money
Mrs Dalton’s sister had brought her handbag to the hospital, which contained her purse. When Mrs Dalton opened her handbag, she found that her purse was at the top, which was unusual, as she always tucked it away in the side pocket. When she opened her purse, she discovered that the £400 that was inside was missing. The money was intended as a gift for her niece, Debbie Shakeshaft. Mrs Dalton’s sister reported the missing money to the nurses on the ward, who were apologetic and told them not to worry, as the hospital would cover the loss.
The Hospital’s Response
However, when Mrs Dalton’s niece, Ms Shakeshaft, made an official complaint to the hospital trust, she was told that the hospital "does not accept liability for lost or stolen items." The hospital has since investigated the incident and has found no evidence of theft. A spokesperson for the hospital said that they take all complaints regarding lost property seriously and fully investigate the circumstances. They also advised the public not to bring large sums of money into the hospital and to formally hand them over to a member of staff for safe keeping.
The Police Investigation
The incident has been reported to Merseyside Police, who are appealing for information and have launched an investigation. A spokesperson for the force said that they are investigating the reported theft from a hospital and are obtaining CCTV footage. They have asked anyone with information on the incident to contact them via their social media desk or by calling 101. The police are also working with the hospital to support any enquiries.
The Impact on Mrs Dalton
The incident has caused significant distress to Mrs Dalton, who was already having a tough time after losing her husband. She said that the loss of the money has really upset her and that it’s been pretty horrible. The incident has also raised concerns about the safety and security of patients’ property in hospitals. The hospital has offered to support any police enquiries and has advised the public to be cautious when bringing valuable items into the hospital.
Conclusion
The incident involving Lucinda Dalton and the missing £400 from her purse at Arrowe Park Hospital highlights the importance of being cautious when bringing valuable items into the hospital. The hospital has advised the public not to bring large sums of money into the hospital and to formally hand them over to a member of staff for safe keeping. The police are investigating the incident and are appealing for information. The incident has caused distress to Mrs Dalton, who was already having a tough time after losing her husband. The hospital and the police are working together to support any enquiries and to ensure that patients’ property is safe and secure.