Flowers to be banned at hospital

The hospital wants to help stop the spread of infections

Flowers are to be banned at Bath's Royal United Hospital to help stop the spread of infections such as MRSA.

The hospital is also cutting the number of visitors at any one time to two, and new visiting times from 1400 to 1530 BST and 1800 to 2000 BST are planned.

Director of nursing, Francesca Thompson, said: "There is enough evidence for us to be concerned that flowers can spread infection."

Visitors are also being reminded not to use mobile phones on the wards.

The changes will mean children may only visit at the discretion of the patient and ward staff, and must be accompanied by an adult.