Bassetlaw Hospital patients urged to be vigilant for ‘gel thief’

Bassetlaw Hospital staff are asking colleagues, patients, and visitors to be on their guard for thefts of antibacterial alcohol gel.

There have been a number of reports of the gel being stolen from wards and departments – and a man ran away when approached on a ward at Bassetlaw Hospital yesterday (Thursday).

Security staff will review CCTV recordings and staff have been advised on how to step up security.

A hospital spokesman said: “This comes at a time when staff are battling to keep Norovirus, which causes seasonal sickness and diarrhoea, at bay – and the hand gel is a key part of the strategy to encourage better hand hygiene.”

“Although there are no wards affected by Norovirus at Bassetlaw Hospital, the gel is present year-round at every bedside across the Trust’s hospitals to reduce the risk of infection.”