A HOSPITAL security guard is being investigated over claims he sent explicit text messages to a mental health patient.

The man works for Croma Security, which is contracted to supply security guards for the Basildon Mental Health Unit.

He got a phone number for the vulnerable 23-year-old patient he is alleged to have contacted as they worked together before she was admitted.

In total, 12 text messages were allegedly sent from the security guard to the patient while she was undergoing mental health treatment at the unit.

The messages, seen by the Echo, are very explicit and describe sexual acts in graphic detail.

Despite the woman replying to say that he had “overstepped the mark” with the tone of his messages - he is alleged to have continued contacting her.

Her mother, who lives in Basildon, complained to Essex Partnership University Foundation Trust, which commissions mental health services in the area, after reading the messages.

The Echo understands the worker has since been suspended.

The mum said: “Other text messages could have been sent to other patients as well who have no-one to raise concerns about them.

“I feel as though my daughter hasn’t been well supported after this happened either as it really upset her.

“I have met with a director, who was full of apologies.”

She is now hoping to get her daughter removed from the unit and into a private facility.

Essex Police have also been informed about the messages. The matter was referred to them by the Essex Partnership University Foundation Trust.

A spokesman for the trust said: “We take any allegations of misconduct and inappropriate behaviour seriously.

“A full investigation is always undertaken following allegations and reported to the police or professional regulators as appropriate.”

A spokesman for Croma Security said the security guard in question has recently joined the company.

A spokesman said: “He is an employee of our company, who was transferred to us very recently under TUPE law from another security provider who previously managed the contract at Basildon.

“An enhanced disclosure check and industry vetting requirements were met at the outset of the employees employment.”

Essex Police did not respond to requests for a comment before the Echo went to print.