Hospitals 'getting cleaner' according to survey

Hospitals are getting cleaner and their food is getting better, according to independent inspection results released today.

The number of acute and community hospitals achieving the highest 'green' rating for cleanliness and food has doubled to 192.

The inspectors use a traffic light system where a green score shows high standards that almost always meet patient expectations, amber shows acceptable standards with room for improvement and red means poor standards in need of urgent improvement. No hospitals received a 'red' rating for either food or cleanliness this year.

In terms of cleanliness, 687 hospitals, or 78% of those assessed, were classed as green, while 191 hospitals, or 22%, received an amber rating.

For food, 479 sites, or 56% of those inspected, received an amber rating and 372, or 44%, achieved a green rating.

Health Minister Lord Norman Warner said keeping hospitals clean and tidy is not a one-off exercise, and the results "show that we have made progress towards consistently high quality hospital food services that are well-regarded by patients".

The £34 million Better Hospital Food Programme is designed to improve services for patients, and in almost 90% of acute hospitals, patients can now access drinks and light refreshment around the clock. Inspectors also found that 71% of hospitals now provide snack boxes for those who miss main mealtimes or prefer something lighter.

The government has invested £68 million in the Clean Hospital Programme to make sure the buildings are clean, tidy and well cared for.

(gmcg)