§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will take steps to combat the lack of reporting of thefts in hospitals; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will issue a circular to hospital authorities urging action to make staff aware of the possibility of theft and encouraging them to report all incidents; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneySteps have already been taken to ensure that all health authorities are aware of the need for effective action to minimise losses through theft, and for staff to play a full part in minimising opportunities for theft and reporting all incidents which do occur. All health authorities have drawn up security strategies, as they were asked to do in health circular HC(82)19. In December 1984 they were sent copies of the NHS security manual prepared by the National Association of Health Authorities. This gives very full practical advice and was commended by the Department in Health notice HN(84)26. Authorities have subsequently been reminded of the importance of preventing theft in their premises and of the need for losses to be recorded accurately. The effectiveness of authorities' security strategies and the application of more rigorous accounting procedures for losses introduced for 1984–85 financial year will be monitored, and further action to secure improvements will be taken where necessary.