Patients have been knitting away without incident at Congleton War Memorial Hospital in Cheshire for years.
But now health and safety officials at the small community hospital have decided that knitting can be dangerous.
Furious members of the League of Friends of the hospital hit out at the move as 'pointless' and 'soul-destroying for the patients'.
Chairman Michael Lambert, 54, said: "The knitting box was extremely popular and now it has been taken away. One day a health and safety guy came along and didn't like the look of the box of wool and needles. Many of the older patients are so upset."
East Cheshire NHS Trust defended their action, saying they were just trying to create a safe environment for patients. Bernie Salisbury, Director of Nursing and Operations, said: "We were concerned about the ease with which youngsters could access knitting needles in the waiting area and believe this sensible and proactive measure will avoid accidents. The box has now be placed behind the main reception desk and is available on request."
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