A PENSIONER was left distraught after his 18 carat gold chain went missing from Basildon Hospital.

Ron Livesey, 69, of Neville Shaw, in Basildon, had a CT scan at the hospital and was asked to remove the top half of his clothing and jewellery for the scan.

He told the Echo he had bought the Italian jewellery as a male and female pair, and gifted the other one to his late wife who died in 1992.

He said: “It is not the monetary value of the chain, it is the sentimental value - it meant so much to me.

“Because of my health condition, I felt very weak, frail, and vulnerable. Your mind isn’t focused on anything apart from the scan.”

“In hindsight, I wish I had just put it in my pocket straight away.

“I am not accusing anybody, as it could have been anyone - perhaps another patient who came in after me or a cleaner, but I just want to warn people to leave valuables at home when going to the hospital for a scan.”

He has reported the loss of the scan to the hospital and to the police.

A spokesman for Basildon Hospital, said: “Patients are always asked to take off jewellery when undergoing CT scans and similar investigations.

“Consequently, appointment letters now remind patients not to wear jewellery when attending for such procedures.

“The trust would like to reassure patients that all incidents are recorded and our staff make every effort to help find any items that are reported as missing, as our priority is always the patient.

“Although we are unable to comment specifically on any cases, we sincerely regret the distress that was experienced by this patient.”

A spokesman for Essex Police, said: “We received reports that a man had a piece of jewellery stolen while in Basildon Hospital.

“The incident, which allegedly took place on Monday, January 21, has been allocated to an officer and we have made enquiries with the victim and hospital. We understand that the theft of property can have both a financial and emotional impact on victims. “Enquiries are ongoing.” Call 101 with information.