PATIENTS and visitors to dozens of hospitals are facing losing the use of free water from coolers in an attempt by a health board to save money.

NHS Lothian instead wants people either attending or being treated at 21 hospitals to request staff to bring them water or buy their own drinks from vending machines or canteens.

The new rule, if approved, would also apply to NHS staff, who do not have a kitchen in their ward or office. They will have to leave their work area in order to get water unless they bring their own.

NHS Lothian wants to reinvest the £10,000 annual saving from axing the facility, which is commonplace throughout hospitals across the country.

It said the move, which will be put out to a staff consultation, would also help reduce the risk of spreading infections.

Dr Jean Turner, executive director of Scotland Patient Association, welcomed the move if it helped save frontline services.

She said: "We have good, soft water in Scotland, so I don't see the need for water coolers if there is good access to tap water."

Robert Aitken, associate director of facilities for NHS Lothian, said reviews into the need for water coolers in the organisation were ongoing."