Toy frogs have been banned from a hospital testing room because of fears about hygiene.

Worthing Hospital has removed dozens of model amphibians from its pathology lab amid concerns that they could spread infection.

The move has been condemned by the mother of a regular patient at the clinic, who said for years her daughter had been cheered up by the frogs while having her blood taken.

The frogs were collected over a long period by a phlebotomist who takes samples from patients. Visitors had grown accustomed to the collection and had added to it by bringing in new toys from their travels.

Karen Whitehead, of Bourne Close, Worthing, has a 15-year-old daughter, Rebecca Dewick, who often visits the lab. Mrs Whitehead said: "My daughter is a regular patient who needs blood tests taken every three to four weeks. She was horrified to find the frogs had been removed."

Rebecca has a rare blood disorder called diamond blackfan anaemia and requires regular transfusions.

Although the frogs are not so important now, her mother said they were a great help when Rebecca was younger. She said: "She has attended the path lab since 1997. Even as a teenager she finds the frogs help make the experience less unpleasant.

"Anyone with a young child will appreciate the benefit of having a colourful distraction while a blood test is being taken. Without a distraction children will struggle, be non-compliant and generally make the task of taking blood more difficult to achieve and occasionally impossible."

Mrs Whitehead urged other parents to complain about the removal of the frogs.

The hospital said it took away the toys following complaints by patients. A spokeswoman said the fears were unfounded and there was no danger but if people were worried it had to respond.

Pam Lelliott, of Worthing and Southlands Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "They are no health risk whatsoever. Our infection control team had a look at them and were satisfied they represent little or no risk. However, we know some patients are concerned with regard to hygiene and have decided to move them to a non-clinical area. We have had several complaints."

She said the frogs had been useful to help visitors relax during tests. They have now been boxed up ready to be moved into the waiting room.

"The frogs were collected by a member of staff of the pathology lab and have for years helped to create a friendly and welcoming environment for patients, particularly children, when having their blood taken. Some are porcelain, some are fluffy.

"There is no doubt they did create a talking point for patients when they came in and generally we felt it helped the patients feel at ease but we do appreciate people are very anxious about hygiene."