A PATIENT was left feeling dumbfounded after more than £500 was allegedly stolen from her purse during a hospital stay.

Phyllis Waring, from Amesbury, returned to her hospital bed after a quick trip to the loo to find her purse empty.

The 68-year-old, who was admitted to Salisbury District Hospital on Tuesday, January 16, believes her £560 in cash was stolen.

Mrs Waring claimed the nurse in charge did not ask her whether she had any valuables in her bag before admitting her to Pitton ward.

"I just couldn't believe it had happened to me. I went into hospital and came out with nil, I was so cross," she told the Journal.

Salisbury Journal:

It was the first time this had happened to her but Mrs Waring has now lost trust in the hospital and she wanted to warn other patients.

Mrs Waring was "dumbfounded" when she found her purse empty, she said: "I now know I should have taken it with me but that is my property.

"I definitely don't trust going back."

Salisbury District Hospital's safeguarding team has received a complaint from Mrs Waring and it is investigating the incident.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: "We are aware of a report of theft at Salisbury District Hospital on January 19.

"On the basis of the information that we have been given we have closed the investigation, pending further information."