Lost property

Looking after your belongings

Patients, visitors, and carers are asked not to bring valuable or expensive items, or unnecessary amounts of money, to the hospital. This includes anything that would be difficult or impossible to replace if lost.

If you do bring personal belongings with you, you are responsible for them. The hospital cannot accept responsibility for items that are lost or damaged. If you find yourself in hospital unexpectedly, please arrange for a trusted person or family member take your personal belongings. 

If you would like an item to be kept safe during your stay, please speak to a member of staff.

Telling staff about your belongings

When you come into hospital, please tell the staff about any items you bring with you and this will be documented within your electronic record. If you hand any items to staff for safekeeping this will be noted on you electronic record including where the items are stored.

If something goes missing

If an item goes missing, please:

1. Contact the ward or department where the item was last seen.
   Staff will try their best to find it.
2. Contact the general office about lost property on 01392 402383
3. If the item cannot be found, you can complete a Claim Form which will be considered
4. Send the completed form to PALS at
   rduh.pals@nhs.net

Please make sure the claim is made within 2 months of your hospital stay. Claims made after this time are unlikely to be accepted.

Important to know

• Finding lost property can take some time.
• Not all lost items can be paid for.
• You may be asked to provide receipts.
• If you were well enough to look after your belongings and the hospital was not at fault, your claim may not be approved.

For more information, please see our Property Policy (published soon).