A BAN on flowers at Southend Hospital started this week.

The decision has been criticised by James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend West, who believes flowers are not a risk to patients.

He said a report from the British Journal of Infection Control backs his view.

The report says: “Occasionally new policies become part of accepted hospital routine, despite lack of supporting evidence. Bann-ing flowers from general hospital wards falls into this category.

“Although the water in vases can become a reservoir of potentially pathogenic bacteria, there is no evidence they have ever caused a hospital-acquired infection.“ Mr Duddridge had encouraged people to complete a survey about whether they supported the ban, which started on Monday.

He said: “I am really grateful to all the local people who have taken the time to return the flower survey to me, and who have got behind this campaign. The response I have received indicates the majority of people do not want flowers to be banned.

“I have seen no evidence to suggest flowers cause infection, and I hope Southend Hospital listens to local people and reviews this policy.”

The hospital says it carried out its own consultation and the ban was supported.