Disgust as thieves steal poorly children's toys

Nurses Kasey Noble and Anjela Jones from the Childrens Accident and Emergency department at Dewsbury and District Hospital.

The theft was discovered when a child in pain asked to see the Disney favourite Frozen.

Nurses were appalled to find their cabinet, donated by charity Starlight, had been ransacked and DVDs and electronic toys stolen.

It is the latest in a series of thefts that have included pushchairs, prams and soft toys all being stolen.

Children’s A&E sister Anjela Jones said: “We are absolutely sickened.

“Children come in here with abdominal pain, shortage of breath from asthma and broken bones – how can you steal from them?”

Whilst security at the hospital is tight, wards and departments like A&E rely on a sense of openness and the sight of a locked door can be off-putting to children and their often traumatised families.

Children’s A&E supported more than 2,250 poorly children in January.

Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust chairwoman Jules Preston said: “Many of the items stolen had been donated to the unit over Christmas by members of the community who really appreciate what this hardworking team does.

“It is just unfortunate that others feel it is alright to steal and cause upset to our team, our patients and their families.”

The Children’s A&E team relies on the kindness of the community to supply toys and other items to make their patient’s stay a more pleasant one. Staff even pay for toys out of their own pockets.

Sister Jones said: “The DVDs and toys are really useful for distracting and soothing the children as they wait to see a doctor or get test results. It would be terrible if we had to take them away from the unit because some people choose to steal them.”

Anyone who would like to donate items or replace those stolen please visit the Dewsbury and District Hospital and ask for the sister in charge.

Chief Insp Paula Booth from the Kirklees Policing Team said: “These thefts are obviously upsetting for all those involved and we are asking anyone with any information to contact police via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 47165.”