Desperate thieves have stolen hand sanitiser dispensers from a hospital in Yorkshire

The campaign group Save the Friarage Hospital - which has opposed cuts to services at the site for several years - reported the thefts and these have now been confirmed by South Tees NHS Foundation Trust.

Campaign leader Holly Wilkinson also claimed that a medical centre in Thirsk had been the victim of hand gel thefts, but this has not been verified.

“The fact that people are stealing from a hospital that is already under severe pressure is absolutely unacceptable. The hand gel is there to protect patients, staff, visitors and contractors who come in and out of the hospital on a day-to-day basis. Everyone needs to be a bit more considerate and to stop being so arrogant," said Ms Wilkinson.

"This could put everyone in the hospital at risk of other infections such as norovirus”.

Ms Wilkinson said she had seen reports on social media of the thefts continuing even after the dispensers were secured with cable ties.

“The NHS is under immense pressure as it is, without having to contend with the sheer amount of individuals who have the 'I’m alright Jack' mentality. Alcohol gel doesn’t actually stop. We

all need to pull together to help our struggling NHS."

A spokesperson for South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “We can confirm that a small number of hand sanitisers have been stolen from the Friarage Hospital in

Northallerton. Staff at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are working very hard to keep our patients safe and play their part in preventing the spread of all infections, not just coronavirus COVID-19.

"The actions of a small minority of people who are taking these products could be putting vulnerable patients at risk and we are asking people not to take the gel.

"We are also asking people visiting our hospitals and community sites to think about hand hygiene before they enter and when they leave our sites.”

Save Our Friarage members have also set up a group to help those in isolation in the Northallerton area who need essential supplies delivering to their homes. Email [email protected] if you require assistance.