SOUTH AFRICA COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM HOSPITAL Cape Times - Thieves plunder Groote SchuurJune 8, 2004

By Jo-Anne Smetherham

Toilet seats, taps, flushing mechanisms, copper piping and light fittings are being stolen in vast quantities from Groote Schuur Hospital.

Syndicates are believed to be responsible for the damage, which is so widespread that patients often battle to find a lavatory they can use.

"We're talking about a sophisticated syndicate that knows how to get past alarm systems and avoid security cameras," said Saadiq Kariem, the senior medical superintendent at the hospital.

"I sometimes despair thinking of the amount of stock being stolen. Money that should be allocated to clinical services is now being spent on ongoing losses. It's heartbreaking."

Last year a quarter of the linen at the hospital was stolen, according to health department audit of theft at hospitals.

Kariem said that these linen thefts were "the tip of the iceberg" and that drugs, computers and other equipment was also being taken. An estimated half of the hospital's toilets had been badly vandalised.

There have been several plans to combat the theft. The health department is considering tenders for a new security system that will include many cameras and strict access control.

The system could cost millions annually.

Late last year a task team of managers from the maintenance and other departments was formed to find ways to combat theft.

The team launched a "back to basics" campaign to investigate ways of keeping toilets in good condition.

On the E-floor of the outpatient division the public works department has installed new toilets with built-in seats and a cistern encased in a low wall.


"This could be a solution to the vandalism," said Alfredo Rossi, a hospital superintendent.

The thefts have been occurring for many years but have been increasing.

Police have investigated, but found out little from staff and patients.

In recent incidents computers and other equipment was stolen from the ophthalmology department and a staff member was robbed after being followed from a hospital ATM.

Yesterday, the Cape Times visited the outpatient block that is reportedly the worst hit by thefts.

Almost every toilet had been vandalised. Few toilets had seats and some cistern lids and stopcocks had been taken.
Many toilet roll holders and soap containers were broken.

The hospital's annual budget is R750 million. Maintenance should be 1% of this but is much more because stolen items must be replaced, said Kariem.

The health department spends R1.2 billion every year on goods, including linen.

The departmental audit found that goods worth R7m were taken from Western Cape hospitals last year, despite increased security.

Groote Schuur Hospital covers an area of the equivalent of 59 rugby fields, Kariem said.

The outpatient building is visited by about 5 000 patients every week.

"People can help us by keeping us informed. Patients can tell security or the nursing staff about suspicious incidents," said Kariem.

Reports can also be made by calling the public relations department on 021 404 218.