Visitors steal hand sanitiser from Chesterfield Hospital as bosses admit they’re running low

Visitors to Chesterfield Royal Hospital are stealing hand sanitising gel, as demand for the product surges amid fears over coronavirus.
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Bottles have been taken from patients' beds, receptions, and even from wall-mounts in the corridors.

Bosses said they are ‘disappointed’ to have to ask visitors on social media to not take the gel, which the hospital is now running low on.

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In a statement, a spokesperson from Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Royal Primary Care said: “We’re really disappointed to have to make this announcement, but like other hospitals across the country we’re now seeing supplies of hand sanitisers and gels disappearing from our wards, departments and services.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Chesterfield Royal Hospital

“A quick walk around this morning reveals that bottles have been taken from our A&E, out-patient clinics, welcome desks, receptions, tables, corridor dispensers and even from patients’ bedsides.

“These products are designed to keep our staff, patients and visitors safe in hospital.

“Along with the best hand hygiene option - washing them with soap and water - they are a vital additional measure to prevent infection spread across our environments.

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“With supplies now low in the hospital - and nationally - the actions of a few people could be putting vulnerable people at risk.

“We’re working hard to make sure we can care for people properly - please respect our staff and patients by making sure we have the ability to keep them safe.”

The outbreak of Covid-19 has sparked a surge in demand for the hand gels, which has led to empty shelves in shops, and some outlets have limited sales of the product.

To prevent the spread of the virus, the NHS say:

Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds

Always wash your hands when you get home or into work

Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

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Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards

Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell