Hospital bans flowers as health risk

Grapes are still deemed appropriate and boxes of chocolates welcomed, but a hospital has banned gifts of flowers because of fears that they pose a health risk.

Visitors arriving at Dorset county hospital in Dorchester armed with a bouquet will be politely but firmly told that the blooms are not allowed on the premises.



Florists in Dorset and flower delivery companies have been warned about the ban, which covers all wards, including the maternity unit.

Hospital officials argue that harmful bacteria can grow in the water and spread germs among patients if spilt. They say that sorting flowers takes a lot of nurses' time and besides, because hospital visits tend to be shorter, it makes more sense to give flowers when a patient is back home.