The British Florist Association (BFA) has taken the issue up with the Department of Health (DH), writing directly to the Secretary of State, The Right Honourable Alan Johnson MP.

In further correspondence the BFA have had a full reply in response to our concerns raised. In a letter from Jane Spencer at the DH dated 10^th December 2007 we are pleased to have confirmation that,

 “The Department of Health is not aware of any instance of health care associated infection being traced to cut flowers in the hospital ward setting”

The letter goes on to state that, “The bacteria associated with flowers and the water they are contained in are environmental organisms of low pathogenicity for humans. They are only of potential concern with regard to patients who have their immunity to infection severely reduced by their current treatment, for example transplant patients, cancer patients on strong chemotherapy and patients in intensive care and burns units. It is therefore prudent to avoid cut flowers in these situations.”

The letter goes on to comment about the basic care of cut flowers. In the closing paragraph the DH confirms that “… However, as stated above, it is not Department of Health policy to restrict flowers on the grounds of infection risk, except in the groups noted above”

The BFA is delighted to have received written clarification from the government department with responsibility for this area. We are sure that many visitors to hospitals will be pleased to hear that they may take or have flowers delivered to friends and relations to wish them well whilst staying in hospital.

The BFA recommends that florists advise their customers to have an arrangement of flowers in a container of floral foam rather than a bunch of flowers. This negates the need for busy hospital staff to have to arrange bunches of flowers into a vase of water whilst still providing good cheer to the patient.