Great Western Hospital has lost the wedding ring of a Swindon pensioner

Brian Rogers is distraught over losing the sentimental jewelry he’s worn for 55 years.

His wife Josie called 999 after he fell down the stairs in May. He had seven broken bones on his left hand and arm that were treated and cast.

When the bandage was removed a week later, he realized his 18-karat gold wedding ring was missing.

The hospital has since apologized and introduced a new way to keep patients’ valuables safe while they are on the wards.

Brian said: “I’m so angry they’re negligent. When I got back one of the staff said it was my responsibility to look after my own business. I was sedated!

“I had to find an old photo of me wearing the ring to prove I had it on when I got to the hospital.

Brian and Josephine Rogers (Picture: from the audience)

“They have offered to reimburse me but there is no guarantee. I have to buy the new ring first and then the committee will decide if they can cover the cost.

“You can’t replace it, it was on my finger for so long and meant so much. Any new one might as well be a rubber band, it wouldn’t mean anything.

“I suggested they give the value of the lost ring – £550 – so we could decide what to do with the money, but apparently that’s not allowed.”

The couple received a bouquet of flowers and a note from GWH apologizing for failing to properly protect an important personal item.

Josie recalls the day of the fall, when her husband tripped and “sled down the stairs and then hit his head against the downstairs cupboard”.

She told the Adver: “I was really worried that he caused lasting damage.

“When I picked him up from the hospital, he had a carry bag full of the pieces he came with. It’s strange that they kept that with him but not his wedding ring.

“I was shocked, it’s part of our lives, we wear our wedding rings all the time. We put them on when we took our vows in church in front of our friends and family, many of whom are no longer with us. .

“We could get a new ring blessed but it wouldn’t be the same. GWH staff are doing a great job but it leaves a bad taste in your mouth, it’s a shame.”

A Great Western Hospitals Foundation Trust spokesperson said: ‘We are very sorry that Mr Rogers’ wedding ring was lost during his stay in hospital.

“Mr Rogers arrived in the emergency department in May as a trauma patient and required treatment for a hand injury during which his ring was removed.

“After being informed that the ring was missing, the emergency department team carried out an extensive search of the department, but unfortunately the ring could not be found.

“Our Patient Advising and Liaison department met with Mr Rogers and his wife to apologize and offer him reimbursement for the cost of a new ring, although we appreciate this does not replace lost sentimental value.

“Following this incident, we have strengthened our procedures regarding missing property and have since introduced new patient property boxes which are used to store property such as glasses, hearing aids and jewelery in a safe. personal to each patient.”

Brian added: “I have no complaints about the care I received and I’m happy that at least something good came out of what happened, I wouldn’t want that to happen to someone else.”