According to the uncle of a patient at the well-known Dublin hospital, toys, televisions, computer games and DVDs are among the items which have been taken by visitors in recent months.
Compelled to highlight the severity of the situation, the patient's uncle, Philip, wrote to radio programme The Anton Savage Show and recalled an experience which took place during a recent visit.
Explaining he had chatted with hospital staff members, Philip wrote: "They’ve told me that TVs have been stolen. The TV remote controls, toys and electronic games, even though some of these items have been tied, locked and/or screwed down."
According to Philip, the thievery extends beyond expensive items, writing: "They have a coffee room for families which they usually keep stocked with milk, tea and coffee. Today, they had a sign on one of the cupboards, apologising for the lack of tea and coffee as someone had stolen the jars."
Utterly disheartened by the situation, Philip admitted he was stunned by the conduct, writing: "I thought I had seen the worst of humanity on my journey thus far but tonight I am genuinely upset."
Upon receiving the letter, radio host, Anton Savage, invited Philip onto his show in order to draw the public's attention to the situation.
Paying tribute to members of the public who attempt to bring solcae to ill children, Philip said: "People worked very hard to raise the funds to provide these things for the hospital in the hope that they would bring some comfort to the sick children."
Elaborating on the point, he continued: "Many people graciously give money that they themselves have struggled to earn only for the lowest of the low to casually and selfishly take for their own."
Attempting to rectify the situation somewhat, Anton's guest said: "I’m the owner of a small business in Donegal. I’ve decided that my company is going to donate a TV, complete with padlocked wall brackets for every room in St Michael’s ward in that hope that it even makes one child happy."
Well done to him - we're sure his gesture will be very well received.
