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The NHS has removed Union Jack flags hoisted outside a hospital by a controversial far-right group in what was branded a "disappointing" use of time. Four British flags were taken down just three hours after the Bristol Rises group arrived with ladders to hoist them on lampposts outside the entrance of Southmead Hospital.

The group was formed by organisers of the controversial far-right Bristol Patriots, which folded just weeks ago after a self proclaimed neo-Nazi Ryan Ferguson was filmed at their march shouting "Heil Hitler" at Jewish counter-protesters. The group sprung to action within weeks, saying that following "kind requests from long-stay patients", volunteers raised the flags to "bring a sense of pride, comfort, and a lift in spirits".

"We think they look absolutely wonderful," they said. "More importantly, we hope they bring a smile to patients, visitors, and staff alike. We also want to take a moment to express our deepest appreciation for the incredible medical teams who work tirelessly every day."

However, Southmead said the flags may feel "unsettling", and a spokesman for North Bristol NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, said the flags were removed.

"We recognise that flags and symbols can carry different meanings for different people, and unexpected displays like this can feel unsettling," the trust said.

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

Bristol Rises claimed that staff and patients were left "disappointed" by the removal. One person reacting to their comments online said: "Until recently, they had a big Union Jack on the flag pole outside the main entrance."

Another, however, claimed the flags were "distressing and intimidating" and were used to "make some people feel bad".

The former Bristol Patriots have been widely condemned after the March 7 event, which led to organisers apologising, deleting their Facebook page, and stating they would "reset".

Its website had previously called to "Get Starmer out and stop the boats". At the start of this year, they had called for a foreign military power to overthrow the democratically-elected government in a Facebook post which praised US military action in Venezuela.

On Saturday, March 14, Ben Pinker announced on Facebook that they would launch "a new movement" across Bristol and the surrounding areas, and Bristol Rises was created.

It describes itself as a "grassroots movement raising the colours, celebrating patriotism, and giving people a voice".

It added: "We support local communities, champion local businesses, and stand for pride in our nation, unity in our communities, and representation for the people."