Hospital chiefs who decided the layout of the new Royal London have come under attack for not incorporating a shop into the plans.

The state-of-the-art 17 storey hospital, behind the existing building on Whitechapel Road, opened its doors in December and departments have been gradually moving over.

But hospital chiefs have confirmed that there will be no standard shop offering newspapers, groceries, toiletries and other items in the new block, as in the old building.

One visitor raised concerns that patients in particular could suffer because of the decision.

It would be inappropriate for people on drips and in hospital gowns to leave the building and use facilities in the surrounding area, she pointed out.

But the hospital said food, drink, newspapers and toiletries are available to buy from the restaurant on the fifth floor of the new building.

A spokesperson for Barts and The London NHS trust added: “A trolley service run by volunteers that offers food, drinks and toiletries to patients on the wards will begin in the new hospital within the next month.

“The outpatients department closely located on Stepney Way also has a shop selling a wide range of snacks, publications and toiletries.”

The new Royal London is part of the trust’s �1 billion rebuilding project.

All departments are due to move by March 1.