BOSSES at Basingstoke hospital have hit back at a national newspaper's claims that security measures to defeat baby-snatchers in the town's maternity unit are virtually non-existent.

The article claimed a female reporter had been able to enter the unit four times and was unable to see "any obvious measures to prevent baby-snatchers".

It claimed the reporter walked straight onto Stallworthy ward, could see no intercom system and was not challenged by any member of staff.

Saturday's report also claimed mothers were ignoring signs warning them not to leave their babies unattended.

It singled out the hospital as among 12 out of 19 where access was allegedly too easy.

Hospital spokeswoman Gina Lilley said North Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust took the security of all its patients "very seriously" and was always reminding mothers to be vigilant.

She told The Gazette: "The short article did not highlight the individual cot alarms that are used by all mothers."

These operate on a system of pressure pads and are set off when a baby is lifted out of the cot.

Mrs Lilley explained: "The mum activates it and has the key to it."

She stressed that the hospital also has CCTV. However, she said security was being reviewed in light of last week's abduction in the West Midlands - which prompted the newspaper investigation - when two-day-old Elizabeth Rice was taken from hospital.

Mrs Lilley said this year will see the start of nearly £2 million worth of refurbishment work in the unit.

She added that the national newspaper's article contrasted with reports on three national television channels last week, which highlighted the Basingstoke maternity unit as one where the latest security measures are in place.