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Hospital thefts in Scotland are putting patient lives at risk and costing the NHS in the country around £500,000 a year, it has been claimed.

The high levels of theft highlight the importance of effective security solutions, such as the CCTV and access control available through Security Systems Technology.

According to the Scottish Patients Association, the theft of equipment could result in delays to patient diagnosis and has called for a through security shake-up.

Speaking to The Herald, Margaret Watt, chairwoman of the organisation, said: "The Scottish Parliament has very high security, you need to sign in and get badged, why not have the same level of security in our hospitals?"

She added: "Supermarkets and shops will put security tags onto items worth £20, why not have electronic tags on hospital equipment which is worth thousands of pounds?"

Earlier this year, Dr Valerie Stewart told This is Somerset that a diamond necklace worth an estimated £50,000 was stolen from her at Yoevil District Hospital while she was being X-rayed.