CAROL KILLJOYS; Choir banned from hospital ..in case they infect patients.

Byline: By RICHARD SMITH

CAROL singers have been banned from a hospital - after being branded a health risk.

The 16-strong Gospelaires male voice choir have been cheering up the wards at Christmas for 40 years.

But now they have been told they are no longer welcome because they could pass on infections to patients.

Conductor Colin Reynolds, 75, said yesterday: "It is political correctness gone mad. The patients love to hear us sing - and the nurses, too.

"Surely 16 men would not be a health hazard and we would have taken all the hygiene precautions necessary." Colin claims dogs are sometimes allowed into the wards as therapy for patients.

He adds: "Surely we would be less of a risk than a dog."

But health chiefs at Torbay hospital in Torquay, Devon, are adamant. Chief executive Tony Parr told the carol singers in a letter: "Infections are of major concern to the public and to health staff.

"There is clear evidence that the risk of infection, which is usually at its greatest over the winter period, can be reduced by restricting visiting times.

"We have concluded that it is no longer possible to accept offers of Christmas visits by groups."

The choir has been told it can perform in public areas such as the canteen and entrance hall - but the offer has been rejected.

Colin said: "The whole point is that we help cheer up people who really need it, the patients and the nurses - not the visitors hanging around getting a sandwich."

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SNUB: Conductor Colin