poledriver
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Aus - Syringe used to steal morphine from drip as patient slept at Gosford Hospital
A Koolewong man will appear in court after stealing morphine from the intravenous drip of another patient while the pair were in Gosford Hospital in March.
He is alleged to have used a syringe to extract the morphine while his 36-year-old Long Jetty victim was sleeping after major surgery.
Details of the bizarre drug theft have only now emerged - delayed while police waited to see if the victim had contracted any disease or infection resulting from the alleged incident.
Police said today that the Koolewong man would face court next month, while his victime has been cleared of contracting any disease.
The male victim had been admitted to Gosford Hospital for surgery that day and was recovering from the procedure with an intravenous morphine drip for pain management.
The 31-year-old male suspect was also recovering in the opposite bed.
Brisbane Water LAC Crime Coordinator Detective Senior Sergeant Vivienne Crawford said that during the night the victim was dozing in and out of consciousness when he sensed someone next to them.
He opened his eyes and saw the alleged suspect crouched beside his morphine line with a syringe in his hand.
The man then drew out liquid from the line into the syringe and put tape over the plunger then returned to his bed.
"The victim was in disbelief at what had just happened and saw that the patient on the other side of him had also witnessed the actions," Sen-Sgt Crawford said.
"Both the victim and witness were hesitant to alert hospital staff as they felt vulnerable due to the effects of recent surgery."
When the suspect was discharged the following day the victim reported the incident.
Police were contacted and attended the scene where they discovered evidence that the tube had been pierced.
An investigation started and on June 3 the suspect was interviewed and allegedly admitted to the incident.
The man was issued with a Future Court Attendance notice yesterday for one count of larceny and one count of self-administer of a prohibited drug.
He will appear at Woy Woy Local Court on September 24.
Central Coast Local Health District was contacted for comment and a spokeswoman said they would respond with a statement as soon as possible.
WHAT THE HOSPITAL SAID
Central Coast Local Health District Chief Executive Matt Hanrahan said they take the safety of patients and staff very seriously.
"Any alleged theft, loss or misuse of drugs is thoroughly investigated," he said.
Central Coast Local Health District is unable to comment any further at this time as the matter is now before the courts.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...gosford-hospital/story-fngr8h0p-1226696983052
A Koolewong man will appear in court after stealing morphine from the intravenous drip of another patient while the pair were in Gosford Hospital in March.
He is alleged to have used a syringe to extract the morphine while his 36-year-old Long Jetty victim was sleeping after major surgery.
Details of the bizarre drug theft have only now emerged - delayed while police waited to see if the victim had contracted any disease or infection resulting from the alleged incident.
Police said today that the Koolewong man would face court next month, while his victime has been cleared of contracting any disease.
The male victim had been admitted to Gosford Hospital for surgery that day and was recovering from the procedure with an intravenous morphine drip for pain management.
The 31-year-old male suspect was also recovering in the opposite bed.
Brisbane Water LAC Crime Coordinator Detective Senior Sergeant Vivienne Crawford said that during the night the victim was dozing in and out of consciousness when he sensed someone next to them.
He opened his eyes and saw the alleged suspect crouched beside his morphine line with a syringe in his hand.
The man then drew out liquid from the line into the syringe and put tape over the plunger then returned to his bed.
"The victim was in disbelief at what had just happened and saw that the patient on the other side of him had also witnessed the actions," Sen-Sgt Crawford said.
"Both the victim and witness were hesitant to alert hospital staff as they felt vulnerable due to the effects of recent surgery."
When the suspect was discharged the following day the victim reported the incident.
Police were contacted and attended the scene where they discovered evidence that the tube had been pierced.
An investigation started and on June 3 the suspect was interviewed and allegedly admitted to the incident.
The man was issued with a Future Court Attendance notice yesterday for one count of larceny and one count of self-administer of a prohibited drug.
He will appear at Woy Woy Local Court on September 24.
Central Coast Local Health District was contacted for comment and a spokeswoman said they would respond with a statement as soon as possible.
WHAT THE HOSPITAL SAID
Central Coast Local Health District Chief Executive Matt Hanrahan said they take the safety of patients and staff very seriously.
"Any alleged theft, loss or misuse of drugs is thoroughly investigated," he said.
Central Coast Local Health District is unable to comment any further at this time as the matter is now before the courts.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...gosford-hospital/story-fngr8h0p-1226696983052
