PEOPLE visiting Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital are being asked if possible not to leave unaccompanied dogs tied up outside during appointments.

The appeal comes after a patient complained about the potential danger posed by a Labrador left tied up near the helicopter landing pad outside the main building on a number of occasions.

A hospital boss has stressed that the security team always monitors dogs left on their own on the site.

But he added that an area could possibly be set aside at Musgrove where patients could leave their dogs during appointments.

The patient who contacted us about the dog, and who asked not to be named, said: "An outpatient regularly leaves the Labrador tied up to a tree that is so close to the helicopter landing pad.

"It's frightening as not only would the dog be in panic and break his lead if the helicopter tried to land, but it could kill itself and might even prevent the helicopters from landing, which could be in a situation with a patient's life.

"The dog's there for quite some time. I understand that on previous occasions people have approached it, but it won't let them near."

A Musgrove spokesman said the dog did not present a danger to the helicopter.

But hospital facilities manager Phil Shelley issued advice to patients who need to take their dogs with them.

Mr Shelley said: "If possible, bring someone with you to look after the dog during your appointment.

"Our security team constantly monitor the hospital site and if they spotted a dog unaccompanied they would keep an eye to ensure it came to no harm.

"If there was sufficient demand, we would look into providing an area outside for dogs to be safely left."

Anyone with "any thoughts" on the issue should contact the facilities team on 01823-342536.