Son's anger as mother's necklace and bracelet stolen while she stayed at Stafford hospital
The family of a 90-year-old woman who had her necklace and bracelet stolen while she was being treated in hospital today branded the thieves as 'despicable'.
Florence Kirkham was admitted to County Hospital in Stafford in November last year.
While there she celebrated her 90th birthday and her family took pictures of her on the day wearing the gold necklace and bracelet.
But after she was discharged on February 10 and went to a care home in Lichfield, the jewellery was found to be no longer in her possession. She has since passed away and her funeral took place yesterday.
Her son Glenn Kirkham, who lives in Slitting Mill, Rugeley, has spoken of his anger after the theft.
He also said he was disappointed after the hospital wrote to him to say there was nothing they could do.
He said: "We know she went in with the necklace and bracelet because she always had them on her wherever she went.
"When she was released from hospital and to the care home, she didn't have the jewellery on her.
"We asked the staff there and they said she didn't come in with any jewellery on.
"I'm incensed someone has done this and taken advantage of my mum. It makes my blood boil.
"It's not about the money. Who knows, this could have been a patient or a visitor. It just worries me that someone can walk up to an old lady lying in a bed and do this to her. It's despicable.
"I'm also disappointed the hospital don't seem to want to do anything."
Mrs Kirkham was a retired school cook. She left behind one son, Glenn, three grand-daughters and two great grand-daughters.
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust chief executive Mark Hackett said: "We were very sorry to hear that Mrs Kirkham had lost precious items.
"I have written to the family to explain that the trust cannot accept responsibility for patient valuables unless they have been handed in for 'safe keeping' and an official receipt is provided.
"I understand that this will not bring comfort, however, we are unable to take responsibility for items that we have not been made aware of and agreed to take responsibility for.
"The trust will be happy to assist the police with any investigations they may wish to undertake."
Mr Kirkham informed the police about the disappearance of the jewellery.
