A man caught by HTV cameras in the act of distributing lawyers' leaflets 77482-332HOSPITAL bosses caught an ambulance-chaser red-handed when he attempted a leaflet drop at Great Western Hospital.

On Monday we revealed how No Win No Fee law firms are targeting the walking wounded in the busy A&E department.

Later that day, an HTV West news crew filmed a man distributing promotional leaflets around the hospital.

Staff at the hospital were further infuriated when the agent, who refused to give his name, was spotted getting into a car parked in a nearby ambulance bay.

Chris Birdsall, spokesman for Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust, said: "After the Evening Advertiser came out, a TV crew arrived at the hospital.

"We couldn't believe it when a man strolled into A&E and started handing out the leaflets around the waiting room.

"He then went into the X-Ray department where he was challenged by a member of staff. He refused to answer any question or give his name.

"What's more he was parked in an ambulance parking bay."

The leaflets carried a phone number for the Compensation Care Line.

Mr Birdsall reiterated that any leaflets left without permission would be thrown in the bin.

He said: "Ambulance-chasers don't like being chased themselves any leaflet we find will go straight in the bin."

Established law firms in Swindon were quick to denounce the sales tactic described by the hospital as "tasteless opportunism".

One of the leaflets we spotted in A&E promised big pay-outs for victims of asbestos contamination dubbed Swindon Disease due to high cases of the condition among former Swindon railway workers.

Industrial disease lawyer, Brigitte Chandler, of Charles Lucas and Marshall, said: "There is a time to do things. In some places there are outlets to advertise.

"But when people are ill and waiting for treatment it's not the best time to give them an advertisement."

Mark Tawn, personal injury specialist with BLB Solicitors, added: "I can't say it's unlawful or improper but it's bordering on distasteful.

"There is a fine line."

Compensation Care Line refused to issue a statement either to ourselves or to HTV News.

Anyone who spots such a leaflet dropper should alert a member of staff.

Kevin Shoesmith