Fears over missing man
A large-scale police search has been launched after a man, thought to have be in early stages of dementia, went missing from Stafford's main hospital where he was a patient.
A large-scale police search has been launched after a man, thought to have be in early stages of dementia, went missing from Stafford's main hospital where he was a patient.
Grave concerns have been voiced by police for the welfare of 61-year-old Robert Baseley, who is from Chadsmoor in Cannock.
He has no cash with him, needs medication and is unlikely to know where he is.
Extensive searches took place over the weekend in both Cannock and Stafford and were reconvened on Cannock Chase at first light today.
The police helicopter was used yesterday to scour the area and officers with dogs were also drafted in to help the search. The patient went missing from Staffordshire General Hospital two days ago.
Various addresses have been visited and officers are liaising with a member of Mr Baseley's family.
It is possible he is wearing a cardigan and pyjama top. Police say they want to hear from anybody who may have seen him since Saturday.
Sergeant Barry Dutton, of Staffordshire Police, said: "Robert Baseley was a patient at Stafford Hospital and was found to have gone missing at around 3pm on Saturday.
"Mr Baseley is 61-years-old and is from the Cannock area. He may have early onset of dementia and has a short-term memory loss. His eyesight is also very poor.
"Coupled with his poor state of health, we have grave concerns as to his welfare.
"Due to his conditions, it is unlikely he knows where he is and would be unable to find his way back to Cannock."
Sgt Dutton added: "He has no money or access to any money. Mr Baseley is on medication and has not taken any since he went missing."
Mr Baseley is described as white, around 5ft 11in tall, very slim, has grey-flecked white hair which is balding on top but shoulder-length at the back and an unkempt grey beard.
He was last seen wearing light blue jeans, dark boots and a grey cardigan, which possibly had an orange pyjama top underneath.
Anyone who may have seen Mr Baseley should call Staffordshire Police on 08453 302010 quoting reference 608 of October 20.
