NSW man steals from hospital patients

A man has been charged after allegedly stealing from two patients at a Gosford hospital in what police have described as a "low act".

The 48-year-old man was identified after using stolen credit cards at stores in the area, police say.

He also allegedly stole jewellery and other property, police say.

"Having property stolen is always heartbreaking, but to have property stolen while undergoing treatment in hospital is a particularly low act," Superintendent Danny Sullivan said on Thursday.

The man has been charged with 16 offences and refused bail to appear before Gosford Local Court on Thursday.