THE trust that runs Basingstoke hospital is launching an investigation after a member of its theatre staff posted highly offensive content on social media.

Pressure has mounted for Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to directly respond to complaints regarding Russell Simmonds, a 51-year-old who has worked in theatre at Basingstoke hospital for 32 years.

The father-of-two posted on his X account, formerly known as Twitter, commenting on the rape and sexual assault allegations made against comedian Russell Brand, saying: “Blokes. This #RussellBrand stuff could happen to any of us.”

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His posts received a huge backlash on the social media platform, with hundreds of people calling him out for his controversial views.

However, it then came to light that his previously public X account and Facebook page contained a string of highly offensive comments which have since been shared with his employers at HHFT.

The trust said it has been contacted by both members of the public and other colleagues about the posts and said it is “working to respond to them”.

As pressure mounted for the trust to directly address the issue, it has now responded to say an investigation will take place which will include a review of the “historical activity in relation to the comments”.

A spokesperson for the trust added: “Hampshire hospitals has no place for racism or misogyny; patients and staff should feel reassured that they are safe and welcome.

“Our values – compassion, accountability, respect and encouragement - are central to all we do, and we are extremely proud of our inclusive and highly international culture.

“In recent days, one member of staff has been found to have made highly offensive comments on social media. When this came to light, we took immediate action, reiterating our commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards any inappropriate or harmful behaviours and getting the posts removed. The matter is now subject to HR processes which is not something we will comment on."

Mr Simmonds X account was made private on Sunday, September 17. However, his Facebook page, which includes photographs of him wearing scrubs at work, remained open on Wednesday, September 20. It includes a post from March 22, 2017 which says: “The irony of watching our emergency services battling to keep that w***** alive earlier. Rot in hell c***.”

The hospital trust said it had not received any complaints about Mr Simmonds previously.

It added that its staff are reminded of the social media policy, including what is acceptable use of social media. However, it said it does not carry out checks of its 8,000 plus staff members’ social media accounts.