Confidential records from Lewisham Hospital Paediatric Department have been found fly-tipped next to a skip.

A member of the public who has asked to remain anonymous found the documents in a 'disgusting mess' next to a skip off Rutland Park.

The documents included confidential information on specific patients' illnesses and information on prescriptions, as well as infection control checklists.

One document sent to News Shopper included details of new born babies and their illnesses.

A Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trusts spokesman said: "We are very grateful to the member of the public who found these records for drawing this to our attention.

"We have launched a full investigation into this incident to find out exactly what happened and how we can prevent it from occurring in the future.

"All information which was found is being returned to the Trust or has already been destroyed."

The documents had been torn in half but were still legible, meaning confidential patient information could have been viewed by anyone.

The Big Brother Watch campaign group criticised Lewisham and Greenwich NHS for compromising patient privacy.

Research director Daniel Nesbitt said: "Our health records include some of the most personal and private information that it is possible to keep about us and we should, at the very least, be able to have confidence that they are being held securely.

"It is vital every member of staff responsible for handling these records is properly trained and that they fully understand their duties.

"More work must be done to ensure there is no repetition of this kind of incident."