Hundreds of pounds were stolen from a woman as she was being cared for at Watford General Hospital.

Yvonne Cutting has been left “gobsmacked” by the theft, which occurred on Saturday, September 4.

The 71-year-old from Tring had been taken to the hospital after suffering a stroke.

She says she had taken her handbag with her, which inside contained around £400 that would have been used to pay off a holiday.

Mrs Cutting said that the only time she left her bag was when she was taken to the toilet.

It was when she was wheeled across the hospital with her handbag after she returned that she noticed the zip was open.

She looked inside and found most of the money in her handbag was gone, being left with £40.

Mrs Cutting then discharged herself from the hospital as she felt “totally abused”.

“I felt awful,” she said.

“I just couldn’t believe it, I was gobsmacked.

“How it can happen in hospital I just don’t know. I felt violated. You go somewhere for some help and someone can take your money off you.”

She later informed police of the incident.

Hertfordshire Constabulary says it is investigating the incident and that enquiries are ongoing.

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Watford General Hospital, said it is “sorry to hear about this incident”.

A spokesperson added: “Unfortunately, we are unable to comment further as this is subject to a police investigation.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information is urged to call 101 quoting crime reference 41/69066/21.

Information can also be reported online at herts.police.uk/report or speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact.