Tauranga Hospital's Radiology Department have launched an appeal after four handheld radios were stolen over the weekend.

The units are integral to communication between staff and the movement of patients, with their theft is described as "enormously frustrating" by Hospital Support Services Manager Bev Middendorf.

The four missing radios were ICOM IC-F4103D handhelds that were sitting in an ICOM IC-BC-197 six slot charger bank. Photos: Supplied.

'The four radios were sitting on a charger bank in the Radiology Department and the whole lot has been taken,” says Bev.

'These radios were used by our Radiology Department and hospital orderlies for arranging the transfer and movement of patients.

'Their theft has the potential to impact on patient's wellness and our ability to respond in a timely manner to requests.

'Time is one of the most important factors in the hospital environment, so it's enormously frustrating. And, all in all, stealing from a hospital is just a pretty low thing to do.”

The handheld radios are believed to have been stolen at some stage over the weekend, between the evening of Friday, August 14 and early on the morning of Monday, August 17.

They were reported missing at 8am on Monday morning and the matter has been referred to the police.

The four missing radios were ICOM IC-F4103D handhelds that were sitting in an ICOM IC-BC-197 six slot charger bank.

'I would like to appeal to anyone who might know where the radios are to please let the police know,” adds Bev.

'They are important to the running of the hospital and we would like them back.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Tauranga Police on: 07 577 4300 or Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.