Kildare Town Woman Calls For More CCTV In Naas Hospital After Her Bag Is Allegedly Stolen

The incident happened last Friday morning

A woman from Kildare Town has called for more CCTV in the Accident & Emergency Department of Naas General Hospital, after her bag was allegedly stolen last Friday morning.

After suffering a fall at her home, Georgina arrived at the hospital via ambulance, and brought a black and pink rucksack with her. 

In the rucksack was her medical card, bank card, bus pass and other personal items, as well as €280 in cash. 

She told Kfm that she left the rucksack on the chair beside her and turned away for "a few seconds", but when she turned back, the rucksack was gone. 

She said she immediately told staff about what happened and called An Garda Síochána, who arrived at the scene moments later, and spoke to her. 

Georgina says she later found out that there was no CCTV in the Accident & Emergency Department of the Hospital, therefore she has lost hope of finding out what happened to her bag. 

She says she is of the opinion that some individuals are "hanging around the hospital, waiting to pounce on vulnerable individuals."

In a statement to Kfm, Naas General Hospital said it "has a number of proactive crime prevention measures in place to keep staff, patients and those that use the hospital campus safe. The Hospital has an active Hospital Watch Committee, which includes regular engagement with An Garda Síochána who attend these meetings to review any incidents on-site and agree appropriate corrective actions."

"Naas General Hospital also has contracted security services who maintain a full-time presence in the Emergency Department 24/7, as well as throughout the hospital. In addition, An Garda Síochána conduct routine surveillance of the site and will often attend to patrol or respond if contacted by staff or patients in relation to illegal or potentially disruptive activity"

"Access control measures are in place across the Emergency Department and all inpatient wards to manage the flow of individuals entering and exiting these areas. However, it must be acknowledged that in a busy hospital environment, particularly where patients and visitors are coming and going regularly, it can be challenging to ensure full restriction without impacting operational efficiency or family support."

"The Hospital maintains comprehensive CCTV coverage both internally and externally across the hospital campus, and this was expanded further last year. However, in accordance with data protection legislation and national guidance, the Hospital does not have CCTV in patient-facing clinical areas such as ED cubicles or inpatient bed spaces. This is to safeguard patient dignity, privacy, and confidentiality."

Naas General Hospital says it cannot accept responsibility for the loss, theft or damage to any valuables, money or other articles that patients bring with them.