Health Minister lashes out after theft of protective gear from hospitals

The state’s Health Minister has lashed out at the “appalling” and “disgusting” thefts of protective equipment from hospitals, warning culprits will feel the “full force of the law”.

THE theft of personal protective equipment from the state’s hospitals was “appalling” and offenders would feel the full force of the law, Health Minister Sarah Courtney says.

A memo sent by senior health staff yesterday revealed “a disproportionate reduction in stock” over last weekend.

An investigation is underway into the removal of surgical masks from operating theatre suites and existing stocks are being moved to a central location to prevent further thefts.

CCTV footage and swipe card access is being scrutinised to find the culprits.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney has warned people caught stealing protective equipment from hospitals will face the “full force of the law”. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said she was disgusted by the reports.

“Stealing equipment from hospitals at any point in time is just appalling, particularly at times like this,” she said.

“Tasmanians will be aware that we have challenges around procuring PPE, indeed it is one of our highest focuses. [We are] working with the Federal Government as well as all our suppliers to ensure that we have got sufficient stocks of PPE.

“It is unacceptable, anyone that is found to have done this will feel the full force of the law and I’ve raised this with both the secretary of Department of Health and the police commission this morning and I’m very pleased that local management continues to implement stronger and stronger measures to ensure this doesn’t happen.”