PATIENTS have expressed concerns about schoolchildren using Southend Hospital as a short cut on their way to and from school.

Groups of up to 14 children are using corridors there as a cut through, rather than going around the building and its grounds.

One cancer patient, who asked not to be named, said: "Schoolchildren walk through, right past the chemotherapy clinic and waiting area.

"They are using the hospital buildings as a cut through so they don't have to walk right round along the main roads.

"We don't know what school it is they are walking to but it's not right.

"The hospital has signs up asking people to use hand gels to stop infections but these children walk through everyday without reason for being there.

"We spoke to a porter who said the hospital has been in touch with local schools.

"It's supposed to be a hygienic place and when people are having chemotherapy they can't risk even getting a cold."

Pat Stone, spokeswoman for Southend Hospital, said: "Children are not going into any clinical area and therefore in that respect are no different from any other member of the public using the hospital."