LAPTOPS, flat screen TVs, specialist equipment checking for radiation exposure and even shower seats were stolen from Southend Hospital over the past five years.

Thieves targeted the hospital on 13 occasions, costing it thousands of pounds. Figures revealed under the Freedom of Information Act show the hospital had two laptops containing potentially sensitive data stolen.

But the hospital’s estate manager said the laptops were encrypted so no patient data could be accessed.

Other items stolen from the hospital include two TVs, a flat screen computer monitor, a printer and two mobile phones.

Medical equipment, including a dosimeter – which checks radiation exposure – and a monitor from the audiology outpatients’ department have also been taken.

The most recent incident took place on January 4 in the hospital’s Eleanor Hobbs ward, as it was being refurbished. Crooks made off with 40 grab rails and three shower seats which had been stored there and a door was forced open. The cost of the incident to the hospital was more than £1,500.

Colin Cadwallader, director of estates and facilities at the hospital, said: “We regularly review our security measures to ensure the hospital premises are safe for patients and visitors and to prevent any theft or damage to property.

“We have 150 cameras strategically situated around the grounds and buildings to provide sharp pictures.

“These contain both day and night lenses so our security team can clearly see what is happening around the clock.”

Of the 13 incidents, two happened off the hospital site – with one laptop and mobile phone being stolen from an employee during a house burglary in 2009.