Security boost at hospital after break-ins

25 January 2012

Tairawhiti District Health is stepping up security following a spate of car break-ins and thefts in the main car park at Gisborne Hospital.

Chief executive Jim Green said he had increased the number of security personnel patrolling the hospital’s Ormond Road campus after reports that cars had been interfered with and property stolen. There had also been a report that a staff member’s vehicle had been stolen.

Mr Green said he was disappointed and disturbed by the trend.

“I hate to think of people visiting sick whanau and friends in hospital, only to then go outside and find that their car has been broken into. Our hard-working staff also need to be able to focus on helping people in the hospital, rather than worrying that their car may not be there when they finish work.

“I am not happy to be allocating additional funds for security when our job at TDH is to improve the health and well-being of everyone in the region. The actions of a few individuals mean that important resources now need to be funnelled away from that mission, and into stopping these people who steal from others.”

Mr Green said he would continue to monitor security at the hospital closely, and urged the public to report all incidents of theft to Gisborne Police.

ENDS