Liberal Democrats revel that almost half of hospital kitchens are failing hygiene inspections

2.40.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 13th Aug 2007

Health services

According to a nationwide survey by the Liberal Democrats, almost half of all hospitals kitchens and/or canteens in England could be failing to meet cleanliness and hygiene standards. Nearly a fifth of hospitals surveyed kept food at the wrong temperatures or in unsafe conditions, while 11 hospitals had problems with vermin. Offending hospitals reported problems including cockroaches and mouse droppings in kitchens, medical waste on food handling equipment and poor personal hygiene in staff.

Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Norman Lamb said "It is simply unacceptable that such terrible practices are taking place in an environment where hygiene and safety should be paramount. Patients have a right to know how their food is being prepared when they go into hospital. Hygiene standards must be made public via clear and accessible ratings for each institution. The worst performers should be named and shamed - while those doing well would stand as an example to drive up standards."