Norwich patient claims cash taken from purse at N&N Hospital

Debra Storey, 49, of Irstead Road in Earlham was rushed to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (N&N) accident and emergency department on March 23 by paramedics after she had breathing difficulties.

Miss Storey, who had a brain tumour removed at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge in October last year, noticed the money was taken after returning home on March 28 following a stay in the hospital's acute medical unit (AMU).

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (Image: Brittany Woodman)

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Her daughter, Charlotte Rowe, 25, a shop worker who lives with her parents, said: "She had £90 in notes and a bit of change in her purse which was in the bottom of her handbag.

"It was at the bottom of her bed while she was in A&E and in a cabinet while on AMU.

"My dad went to put money in her purse when we got home when we discovered it was empty.

"As soon as mum realised she sat in her chair and burst into tears. 

"We are angry and disappointed. You expect your belongings to be safe when you are in hospital.

"She takes her bag everywhere. It is part of her but this has made her and myself wary."

Miss Storey, who received the money for her recent 49th birthday, said: "I don't want this to happen to anyone else."

She was hoping to spend it on a treat for her granddaughter who is turning five in April.

Nothing else was taken from her bag.

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The family, who have not informed the police, have launched a fundraiser which can be found by searching for Charlotte Rowe on GoFundMe.com.

An N&N spokesman said: "We are sorry to hear of Debra and her family’s concerns.

"We are investigating their complaint and liaising directly with them to find a resolution.”