According to reports, the theft of hospital equipment meant for sick children, had led to Starship Hospital in Auckland to boost their security Measures.

Auckland District Health Board said: “DVD players, doctor’s cellphones, wallets and even vehicles have also been taken in recent months, and security guards are now checking wards more often so that patients and visitors are aware of their presence”.

However, there has also been a proposed ban on the employment of smokers, which began after the father of an asthmatic patient made a report to the Auckland DHB about a hospital staff smelling of second-hand smoke early this month.

Owing to this, Chief Executive Denis Jury stated: “The board had decided to take a stronger stance on the ban on smoking on hospital grounds and that employee compliance with the ban was not what it should be".

Moreover, late last week the Waikato District Health Board is reported to have announced that it is looking into stricter smoking rules, as well as suggesting a ban on smoking outside Waikato Hospital.