MP slams thieves for hospital cable theft that could have led to ‘potential disaster’

Friday, 13 July 2012

THE theft of cables from a hospital roof could have led to a “potential disaster”, according to a health trust boss.

The theft of 150m of earthing cable put two theatres at Queen Mary’s Sidcup temporarily out of use, leading to the cancellation of patients’ surgery. Jennie Hall, the deputy chief executive of South London Healthcare Trust (SLHT), which manages the hospital in Frognal Avenue, said: “I am extremely concerned that anyone would steal vital equipment from a hospital placing patients at potential risk.

“Had we not known that the cable had been taken we could have used the theatres and had a potential disaster on our hands.”

Replacing the cables will cost the debt-ridden trust more than £5,000.

The thieves, who carried out what was the third metal theft at the hospital in the past year, were spotted and chased away by hospital porters, but escaped with the cabling at around 2am on June 28.

MP James Brokenshire met Bexley’s top police officer Commander Victor Olisa to discuss the metal theft. Mr Brokenshire, who represents Old Bexley and Sidcup, said: “This is a truly shocking incident. The wanton disregard of the needs of patients requiring surgery and the disruption to the hospital beggars belief. The thieves involved in this callous crime deserve nothing but contempt.

“It underlies why the Government is right to strengthen police powers to combat metal theft and toughen up the response to those involved in the trade of stolen metal.”

A police spokesman said: “We treat metal thefts very seriously and investigate all allegations.”

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