Family upset after jewellery disappears in hospital

Suzanne Edward's daughter Stacey says she feels "very disappointed and let down"

A family has demanded answers after thousands of pounds of jewellery disappeared while a woman received hospital treatment.

Suzanne Edwards, 71, of Leighton Buzzard, died from sepsis at Bedford Hospital on 1 December following an operation to remove a kidney stone.

Her daughter Stacey Edwards said she realised her mother's three necklaces and four bracelets were missing after she died.

Liz Lees, chief nurse at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said that despite a full investigation and search, staff were unable to locate the items.

Liz Lees, chief nurse at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said they "take any concerns regarding patient belongings very seriously"

Suzanne Edwards, who was a mother of two and had two granddaughters, was described by her family as "an unbelievably kind and caring woman with a wicked sense of humour and fun".

"We're very upset about the jewellery – not because of its cost but because of its sentimental value. More than anything, it shouldn't have gone missing in the first place," said Ms Edwards.

"We just cannot believe this has happened. Mum never took off her jewellery, whether she was out gardening, cleaning the fishpond or having lunch.

"We've contacted the hospital multiple times and were initially told things were being looked into. After chasing it up, we're now being told they cannot place it."

Liz Lees, chief nurse at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We do recognise dealing with such matters is the last thing a family should be doing while coping with the loss of a loved one.

"We understand this remains a distressing situation for the family and are committed to providing any further support and information as part of any police investigation that may be carried out."