Basildon Echo investigations reporter Jon Austin and trainee Steve Hackwell were able to stroll into a makeshift postroom at Basildon Hospital and rifle unchallenged through confidential letters which included patient medical notes and staff payroll information.

They challenged hospital security after receiving a tip off from a whistleblower that an unlocked corridor under the renal unit was being used to store mail.

After photographs of the items of mail in question were published in the Echo, trust bosses vowed to investigate the East of England Ambulance Service courier system being run from the hospital.

They have since taken a string of measures to improve security including fitting deadbolts to the corridor entrance, moving mail to a locked office and no entry signs at non-public hospital areas.

Hospital chief executive Ian Whittle said: "The issue was treated seriously as soon as it was brought to our attention and a thorough internal investigation was launched.

"As a result, deadbolt locks were immediately fitted to the external door to the service area, where the Echo reporters gained inappropriate and unauthorised access. The door is now kept shut throughout the day and locked securely at night.

"As well as this, all of the internal and external mail awaiting delivery by our courier service has been moved into an office, which is kept locked when unoccupied.

"Additional signs have been put up in areas at risk of unauthorised public access across the hospital sites in Basildon and Orsett. This is to accompany the clear 'No Thoroughfare' signs which were already in place.

"Finally, all members of staff have been reminded of their responsibilities to ensure the security of the hospital, data protection and patient confidentiality. Posters outlining these responsibilities have been sent to every ward and department within the Trust."

Said Jon: "The whistleblower told us this had been used for months and despite complaints and previous incidents of unauthorised access, nothing was done.

"It just goes to show local newspapers can still get things done and hold the powers that be to account."