SOUTHEND Hospital has defended its cleaning standards after a patient complained about the state of its toilets.

The patient, who did not wish to be named, was using the male toilets by the hospital's reception area when he noticed parts of the floor and walls were smeared with human waste.

The man said he was "disgusted" and sent photographs of the mess to the Echo, which we forwarded to the hospital.

Alan Sellick, the hospital's associate director of facilities, said: "We are sorry this gentleman had such an unpleasant experience.

"However, we would like to reassure patients and visitors there is a schedule to ensure all toilets and public areas of the hospital are inspected and cleaned as appropriate every hour during the day.

"We would urge anyone who comes across any area of the hospital that needs urgent cleaning to alert any member of staff so action can be taken swiftly."

The patient, who did not wish to be named, said: "I saw the state of the toilets and I thought: No way.' It looked as if it had been there for a long time.

"I thought it was absolutely disgusting."