AN investigation has been launched after faeces was smeared over a bathroom for NHS health bosses.

The incident was discovered in the ladies’ bathroom at the joint offices for the Southend, Castle Point and Rochford clinical commissioning groups.

It is not known what caused the incident at the offices in Castle Road, Rayleigh.

News of the filthy act emerged in a report about health and safety incidents at the office last month which also included the theft of a charity collection from the drawers of a member of staff.

In the CCGs’ integrated performance report for March 2019, Charlotte Dillaway, director for strategy and planning for both CCGs, said human faeces were spread across the bathroom.

She stated: “There were two reported health and safety incidents in February 2019.

“One, a hazard where faeces were smeared on floor, lavatory seat and sink of the first floor ladies washroom at the Castle Road offices.

“The other was a theft.

“Collection monies were taken from a desk drawer at the civic offices, Southend.”

The theft was reported to Southend Council with written statements and evidence being collected.

A spokesman for the council said: “We are aware of an incident which we are currently investigating.

“It would be inappropriate to comments further whilst the investigation is ongoing.”

Ms Dillaway also reported that there was a previous investigation into payslips which had gone missing in December as they were sent to the wrong address.

Ms Dillaway confirmed none of the packaging of the payslips had been tampered with, so no details have been leaked to the wrong parties.

However another IT incident may have caused more serious problems. During an IT “migration” a “serious incident” occurred affecting CCGs across the county. Due to the severity of the breach the head of internal governance is investigating. The details have not been revealed.

A spokesman for the CCG said: "No data was lost as part of the migration. We will carry out a full investigation to ensure that it does not happen again and lessons are learnt.”