A DOCTOR'S surgery has called out a patient for stealing protective equipment for its staff.

North Shoebury Surgery shared on their Facebook page that one of their patients had taken protective gear from the premises, which it was using to keep staff safe from the spread of coronavirus.

The spokesman said: "It saddens the surgery to write this notice. Unfortunately a patient thought it ok to steal PPE [personal protective equipment] from the surgery this afternoon [Thursday], which we have been using to ensure we remain active and able to see patients for urgent cases.

"Situations such as these potentially due to theft could reduce the patients we can see now. 

"We as a surgery have worked very hard to ensure everyone including staff remain safe and protected. 

"We will not tolerate theft at any time, even more so when such items as those taken could put the staff and patients at risk."