Police Scotland and NHS Fife have urged people not to try to access disused parts of a community hospital in Cupar.
The services released a video message warning intruders of the dangers of entering the dilapidated ruins of Stratheden Hospital and explained the extra workload this puts on nurses who work in the active wards.
Len Wilson of Stratheden Estates said: “We’ve had groups of about 14 people coming in, gaining access and the nurses and porters having to ask them to leave.
“Over the past three or four months, it’s definitely becoming more frequent, which is a major issue for us.
We're working with @nhsfife to highlight the dangerous, reckless & criminal actions of those who have been forcing entry to the buildings that have been secured and are no longer in use on the grounds of Stratheden Hospital.
This video explains all! ?️ https://t.co/WHHsKrDLQy
— Fife Police (@FifePolice) July 17, 2019
“They’ve been breaking windows and ripping boards of windows to gain access and generally causing damage.
“It’s staff who have to deal with the issues because it happens mainly out of hours.
“There are risks. Some of the roofs and the floors are starting to decay and they’re ready to cave in. There’s also no lighting and a risk of asbestos being present.”
The message was released after a spate of recent break-ins, which hospital staff have to deal with.
Stratheden lead nurse Gillian Gibson added: “It’s been advertised as an abandoned hospital, when it’s not. We have eight fully staffed wards and it has a huge impact.”
