Body Found In Hospital Stairwell May Be Missing Patient, Lynne Spalding, Who Disappeared From Room Two Weeks Ago

A body found in hospital stairwell may be a missing patient

Authorities have announced the body found in a stairwell of San Francisco General Hospital on Oct. 8, 2013 may be that of patient Lynne Spalding, of England, who vanished from her room on Sept. 21.

Somehow, it took almost two weeks to find the body in the rarely-used stairwell.

Authorities have not confirmed whether the body was that of Lynne Spalding, 57, from England. She was being treated for an infection at San Francisco General Hospital when she disappeared from her room on Sept. 21.

Spaulding was last seen two days after her admission admitted to the hospital. Friends report that Spalding was say very thin and frail. Spalding was also taking medication that left her feeling confused. At the time of her disappearance, a missing persons report was filed with police.

Reports indicate that Spalding walked out of her hospital room, taking her pocketbook with her but leaving her cell phone.

The body was found at around 10 AM by an employee in the exterior stairwell, which is a fire exit but rarely used.

Authorites, including police, coroner and sheriff's officials, are investigating. They are not sure how long the female body was there or how it got there.

Hospital spokeswoman Rachel Kagan commented, saying, "It's very concerning,"

Kagan added,"We're distressed and don't know what happened. It's our top priority to find out."

After Spalding disappeared, officials said they had searched the entire facility.

Friends and neighbors also posted missing person flyers throughout San Francisco and started a Facebook page hoping to find her.

Spalding's friends and family members are "confused, horrified and outraged". The hospital is planning on reviewing its policies on missing patients.