A BOROUGH mum-to-be has praised staff at South Tyneside District Hospital after a spate of purse thefts in the maternity ward.

The woman said midwives and other staff on ward 22 went out of their way to help patients at risk from the mystery thief, and some were visibly upset because of the way the matter reflected on them and their colleagues.

The praise comes in the wake of three thefts, where women had money stolen from handbags which they'd left beside their beds last Wednesday and Thursday.

According to the woman, who asked not to be named, staff rallied round as soon as the first report was made, and warned patients to secure their bags in cabinets or keep them close by their sides.

But another theft was reported on Wednesday and a third on Thursday - to the horror of the staff and patients.

"The first woman to have her purse stolen was devastated," said the 35-year-old. "She was moved into a private room straight away because she was so upset.

"The midwives did everything they could to calm fears and advise us what to do.

"They didn't know why it was happening and when the second one was reported they were very upset. I saw one midwife crying in the office because she felt so bad for the patients.

"We were told to use the cabinets by our beds or keep a very close eye on our bags, but when someone else
embroidered patches said her purse had been stolen on Thursday, we couldn't believe it.

"Even though three people had their money stolen, I can't fault the staff for the way they handled it."

Police say that although investigations are continuing into the matter, no arrests have been made yet. Anybody with information is asked to call South Shields police on 454 7555.

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