damage worth 100 thousand euros – Nordest24

PORDENONE – A theft which leaves a bad taste in the mouth and puts the Pordenone hospital in difficulty. Four probes of a latest generation ultrasound machine, with a total value of around 100 thousand euros, were stolen from pavilion C of theSanta Maria degli Angeli hospital. The ultrasound machine, purchased just ten days ago, was intended for the Internal Medicine clinics on the first floor. This event adds to another similar theft which occurred ten days earlier in the gynecology department of the San Vito al Tagliamento hospital.

A well-orchestrated coup

The perpetrators of the theft appear to have been well informed. Over the weekend, when the clinics were closed, unknown they snuck into the hospital, forcing the door of the room where the new ultrasound was kept. After passing through the fire doors and the main entrance of the pavilion, they detached the four probes, disappearing without leaving any obvious traces of forced entry.

Experienced and knowledgeable thieves

These thieves knew exactly what to look for and where to find it. They did not touch another ultrasound machine, which has been present in the same department for years, but concentrated only on the probes of the new machine, intended for specific tests such as vascular, cardiac, microvascular and abdominal ones. This indicates detailed knowledge of the hospital’s internal equipment and procedures.

The economic and operational damage

Although the insurance covers the damage, the economic impact is considerable. The probes will have to be replaced, and in the meantime, the diagnostic services will be guaranteed by the other machinery supplied. However, the operation of the department will suffer inevitable slowdowns.

The investigations

The theft was discovered around midday on Sunday, when the machine was needed for examination. The Police Headquarters was immediately alerted and the flying squad and the scientific police intervened on site for technical investigations. The Western Friuli Health Authority has formalized a complaint and the images from the surveillance cameras have been acquired to identify any useful traces.

A growing phenomenon

Theft of ultrasound probes they are a widespread problem nationwide. Often made to order, these devices end up on the black market, fueling illicit trafficking that puts hospitals in difficulty and compromises the quality of the healthcare service. The frequency with which these thefts occur raises questions about the security of healthcare facilities and the need for more effective preventative measures.

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