THIS PHOTO shows how dirty medical masks were dumped next to a hospital rubbish bin.

The image, taken by a patient at The Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, shows the dirty coronavirus masks discarded by a bin at the main entrance yesterday.

The photographer, who wishes to remain anonymous, said the rubbish bin was "practically empty".

Members of the public shared their distaste at the image on social media, with one user describing the act as "disgusting".

Writing on Facebook, Annita Lower said: "My goodness, we will reap this rubbish for years to come.

"People not cutting the strings off will cause untold suffering to wildlife as they get tangled up.

"What is the matter with people?

"What about those in power not for advocating washable masks."

The county hospital is home to a Covid-19 red ward, where staff wear full personal protective equipment to treat patients.

In April, one nurse told The Argus that the staff look like "characters from a science fiction film".

A spokesman from Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust said extra bins have been placed to ensure the safe disposal of masks.

She said: "We ask anyone visiting the hospital to please dispose of their masks responsibly, using the bins provided. We also encourage people to speak to a member of staff to ensure our cleaning team can address any issues as swiftly as possible.

"Extra bins have been placed at every hospital entrance and exit to ensure the safe disposal of masks and face coverings. Our cleaning teams carry out regular checks throughout the day and procedures are in place to manage any potentially infectious waste safely.

"We ask anyone visiting the hospital to please dispose of their masks responsibly, using the bins provided. We also encourage people to speak to a member of staff to ensure our cleaning team can address any issues as swiftly as possible."