Green light for cleanliness and food

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital has been awarded the top “green light” for standards of cleanliness and catering in the latest survey by the Department of Health.

The first set of results from NHS food inspections show that nationally one in six hospitals offer meals which are of 'good' quality and are given a green light and 75 per cent have an 'acceptable' standard of catering. Food provided at nine per cent of hospitals is considered poor.

Anna Dugdale, hospital director of resources, said: “It has been clear from the surveys we have carried out with our patients that they have recognised the high standards of catering and cleaning at the hospital. Our aim is to build on this and continuously improve the experience of our patients whilst they are in hospital. The achievement is a result of the excellent working partnership we have developed with our private sector partner Serco.”

In December 2002, TV food critic Loyd Grossman, who is chairman of the Better Hospital Food Group, visited the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and praised the standards of catering.

Cromer Hospital was awarded an “amber light” which means that catering and cleaning standards have been judged as acceptable. The trust will be working to continue raising the standard at Cromer, as well as at NNUH.