HOSPITAL KITCHENS NOT FIT FOR PATIENTS

9.07.44am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 14th Aug 2007

Responding to reports over the weekend highlighting concerns about kitchen hygiene at local hospitals the Royal Hampshire County hospital and Moorgreen hospital, Sandra Gidley, made the following comment:

"It is simply unacceptable that such terrible practices are taking place in an environment where hygiene and safety should be paramount. Sick people are already vulnerable to infection. They don't need the added risk of food-borne bacteria spread by low standards.

"These reports suggest that there is a great deal of room for improvement in terms of hygiene levels in the kitchens of Hampshire hospitals. I know that the staff at the Trust are dedicated to providing a high quality service, although I continue to be concerned that the current financial pressures may mean that they are unable to dedicate the necessary resources to tackle the problems that have been identified

"I have already requested a meeting with the trust to discuss hospital cleanliness following an increase in hospital acquired infections, it is disappointing that kitchen cleanliness will have to be added to the agenda.

Notes to Editors

For further information or to arrange an interview please contact Sally Lamb on 01794 511900

Food Hygiene Reports- Royal Hampshire County Hospital

Food handler licking fingers, wipe a plate after doing so and then eat food from a container - all while the food handler was on the final service line. Inspector stated: "This practice must cease immediately. The cross contamination of food, in a high risk business by food handlers poor personal hygiene will not be tolerated by this department. If any further breaches are observed then enforcement action will be taken against any individual seen to be breaking statute. In addition action may be taken against the corporate organisation" (Dec 2006). March 2006: Leak in roof meant water leaking into raw meat storage area and also onto electric fly killer. NB - score after March 2006 report was 132!

Health Inspection Reports- Moorgreen Hospital

Need to review hazard analysis. Temperature on fridge 8.7C - fridge stores high risk food which should be stored at no more than 8C and ideally less than 5C. Ice scoop stored in ice machine and should be stored elsewhere to avoid growth of bacteria. Vehicles used to transport food trolleys to wards may also be used to transport clinical waste. Cans of food left open in fridges on wards

ENDS