The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital has put up signs urging visitors to bring alternative presents because flowers increase the chances of patients being struck down with a bacterium called pseudomonas. The bug develops in the flowers' water when vegetation rots and is particularly active in hot weather. The bug can cause patients' wounds to produce a bluish-green pus. Many of these infections could be prevented. A hospital spokesman said the directive only applied to patients on the surgical ward.
Visitors can bring flowers to other parts of the hospital.
We love flowers they brighten the whole place up. Urinary tract infections are particularly common, but surgical wounds, skin and the bloodstream can all be infected with potentially deadly bacteria. Ovary transplant safety fears eased Links to more Health stories are at the foot of the page.