Hospital bosses have slashed the number of television channels which can be viewed by patients in a waiting room, following a complaint about an unsuitable programme.

Only Sky News and BBC 6 music channel are now being broadcast at Airedale General Hospital, Steeton (pictured), after the 9pm watershed.

It is understood the offending channel, which was broadcast in the early hours of the morning on a terrestrial channel, included sex scenes and nudity.

Managers were also concerned that some programmes might offend the elderly, members of religious groups and not be suitable for children.

Debra Fairley, interim chief nurse at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The television was installed at the request of patients, and provided by one of our hospital charities, to improve patients’ experience while they wait in the department.

“We are sorry that a programme broadcast during the early hours was not felt to be suitable for those in the waiting area at that time and, unfortunately, staff working within the department were not aware that this was the case.”

The decision to restrict viewing has been backed by Bradford Councillor Michael Kelly (Con, Craven), who said it was right to take action because “inappropriate” channels should not be broadcast in a public place.

“My instinct is to say it is right to support what they are doing. I would not like to see violent or sexual behaviour being shown in a public location like a hospital waiting room,” he said. “I think it’s absolutely appropriate to broadcast a news channel though I’m not sure about the music channel. I wouldn’t like to see MTV broadcast because some of that might not be suitable.” A spokesman for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which manages Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke’s Hospital, said the issue had not arisen at its hospitals.

“No formal complaints have been received by the Trust regarding the TV in the A&E public waiting area,” she said.

“Staff on the main reception desk which overlooks this area change TV channels at the request of patients. Children attending our paediatric A&E unit have their own television which plays programmes which are appropriate for those of a young age.”