POLICE are seeking a “despicable creature” who stole cash from the hospital bedside of pensioner with pneumonia.

Irene McFadden, 66, was asleep when a callous thief took the £70 from her purse at the University Hospital of North Durham in Durham City overnight on Friday, August 12.

The retired carer from Tow Law, County Durham, had been admitted into the hospital the previous day suffering from pneumonia. She and her family said they were sickened when they discovered the money was missing on Saturday morning, with her husband Robert, 70, labelling the thief a “despicable creature”.

“I feel let down and very upset about this – we all do,” he said.

“We are both pensioners and £70 is a lot of money. You just don’t expect this kind of thing to happen while you are hospital.”

Mrs McFadden had stored her purse, along with some other possessions, in the locker beside her bed in ward one.

After discovering the theft, her family contacted Durham Police and officers came out to interview the couple.

The police investigation continues with the full support of the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.

Mrs McFadden was released from hospital on Tuesday and although her health has improved she remains very upset about the theft.

Last night, Mr McFadden, a retired welder, said: “I think the fact they took the money and left the purse shows they knew what they were doing. Talk about kicking someone when they are down. It’s despicable.”

A County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust spokesman said: “We are very sorry to hear of these concerns and will, of course, cooperate fully with any police enquiry.

"We have robust procedures in place for investigating issues raised by patients, or by others on their behalf, and our patient experience team can be contacted on freephone 0800-783-5774.”

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact Durham Police on 101.