That's according to Dr Gordon Caldwell, Worthing and Southlands director of medical education, who has hit out at thieves who have broken into the hospital's Postgraduate Medical Centre.

The centre, based at Worthing Hospital, has been broken into three times over the past few months, with thousands of pounds worth of IT equipment taken. The most recent break-in took place on Tuesday, March 7, when a large screen and two computers were stolen. Dr Caldwell said: "I believe the people who have done this have no insight into the consequences of their actions.

"Break-ins and burglaries leave the owners of the properties feeling threatened and insecure. In addition, the theft of these IT items will have a significant impact on our ability to train doctors and nurses in caring for vulnerable, ill patients."

Dr Caldwell had a personal warning to the culprits.
"The people who have stolen from the PGMC will eventually require medical care for themselves, and, for sure, some members of their families and some of their friends already are in need of care from doctors and nurses," he said.

"Their acts reduce the quality of training for doctors and nurses in our health community. This, in turn, may reduce the quality of care they are able to deliver. For example, one of the uses of this IT equipment was a program to reduce the incidence of MRSA infection, and this will no longer be available.

"These thefts could indirectly result in an increase in MRSA and other hospital-acquired infections."
Dr Caldwell has appealed to anyone who thinks they may know the people involved to make the police aware of their suspicions.

He added: "Break-ins and burglary are unacceptable in a secure society, but particularly when the effects are to reduce the ability of those committed to helping people in need."

Police are investigating the break-ins and have urged witnesses to call 0845 6070999.