HOSPITAL staff in East Lancashire have been warned to be on their guard amid fears that a bogus doctor could change his name and try to return to the wards.

Paul Bint, 37, who tried to con his way into Blackburn Royal Infirmary in 1993, has just been released from prison where he was serving time for another offence.

It is believed he has tried to change his name by deed poll.

But police fear he could try to trick his way back into hospitals - and have warned staff to be wary.

Bint, who is staying at a bail hostel in Blackburn, has breached the residency conditions of his parole twice since his release three weeks ago and has been given a written warning by the Parole Board.

John Dell, operations director for Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley NHS Trust, said: "We were made aware in advance that he was to be released and we have informed the appropriate departments.

"Staff are always wary of anyone who has not got the appropriate identification but in the case of Mr Bint, clearly past experience has shown we have to keep an eye open for him."

Bint was jailed for five years in October 1994 after a series of theft and deception offences at hospitals. He had tried to con his way into Blackburn Royal

Infirmary in December, 1993, by asking for a doctor's bleeper.

The following day he tricked his way onto the renal unit of Royal Preston Hospital and sent a patient for treatment.

He was arrested at the Blackburn home of Jane Griffiths, granddaughter of shoe tycoon Tommy Ball.

After his release from jail in August, 1996, he was arrested again in London for stealing a sports car.

Detective Sergeant Mick Tommony said: "We are monitoring the change of name and the breaches of parole," he said.

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