Teenagers run wild at Fife hospital alarming patients and causing damage

Now a councillor has issued a “heartfelt plea” to their parents to help tackle the problems that are hitting Cameron Hospital in Leven.

Colin Davidson said they were smashing windows, running through unused wards scattering contents, and causing distress to patient and families dealing with serious illnesses and end of life care. The Labour councillor for Leven, Kennoway and Largo said “genuine concern” has been expressed their safety - and that of staff - at a meeting of police, NHS Fife and the Safer Communities Fife team.

On Facebook, he wrote: “Every family in Levenmouth at some point has had a relative or loved one cared for in Cameron and every family like me will have heartfelt thanks and admiration for the care they received. This is a heartfelt plea to parents of the local teenagers who, probably unknown to them, are causing concerns and fear for staff and patients of Cameron Hospital.

“Groups of teenagers are entering the grounds and buildings and breaking windows, running through unused wards scattering contents and causing untold damage and alarm. This hospital houses patients who are recovering from strokes, serious illnesses or are the recipient of end of life care from some of the most hard working and dedicated staff in the NHS.”

Cllr Davidson said plans are in place to deal with this situation but the police need assistance in tracing the youths responsible.

He added: “I'd ask that every parent of every teenager across Levenmouth ask their sons or daughters to feedback information to them if they know who is involved in this behaviour before a tragedy occurs. Our hard-working staff and patients of this famous facility deserve nothing less.”

Neil McCormick, NHS Fife director of property and asset management, , said: “We are aware of these incidents and are working as part of a multi-agency group, including police and fire services, to address them.

“Cameron Hospital is an active hospital site, where a variety of patients – including those who are elderly or vulnerable - receive the care and rest that they need. This vandalism not only causes distress and anxiety for our patients and staff, but there are also significant safety implications for trespassers entering disused buildings.”

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “We are aware of a number of calls in recent months to Cameron Hospital regarding youths causing a disturbance and vandalising the premises. We have increased our patrols in the area and working closely with partner agencies to address these issues.

"Anyone with concerns or information is encouraged to contact us by calling 101 to report incidents as promptly as possible so we can take appropriate action to identify offenders."