Union flags put up at Southmead Hospital removed

Staff have taken down Union flags put up on lampposts outside a major city hospital.

North Bristol NHS Trust, which runs Southmead Hospital in Bristol, said a number of flags were put up by members of the public "without permission" on Wednesday.

A group called Bristol Rises said on Facebook it had wanted to "bring a bit of joy to patients and staff" and put the flags up after some patients had asked them to do so.

A spokesperson for the trust said the flags had created an "additional workload" for staff, and were removed on the same day.

Writing on Facebook, Bristol Rises said: "Today, a few members of Bristol Rises visited to put up four Union flags - a small gesture, but one we hope brings a sense of pride, comfort, and a lift in spirits to those spending time there.

"We think they look absolutely wonderful, and more importantly, we hope they bring a smile to patients, visitors, and staff alike."

The hospital spokesperson said: "We recognise that flags and symbols can carry different meanings for different people, and unexpected displays like this can feel unsettling.

"It's disappointing that our staff are having to deal with the additional workload and cost of dealing with this situation"

Bristol Rises said the flags were taken down by the hospital after about three hours.

The group added some staff and patients were "disappointed" with the flags being taken down, adding that they feel "these flags represent the NHS".

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