BEXLEY HOSPITAL KITCHENS FAILING HYGIENE INSPECTIONS - BORROWMAN

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 13th Aug 2007

A nationwide survey by the Liberal Democrats of hospitals kitchens and/or canteens has shown that hospital in Bexley could be failing to meet cleanliness and hygiene standards, according to.

Local hospitals had problems with mice, food kept at the wrong temparture, poor food handling and poor environmental conditions .

Commenting, Liberal Democrat spokesman, Duncan Borrowman said:

"These findings paint a shocking picture of hospital food hygiene in our borough.

"It is simply unacceptable that such conditions exist 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 lax standards.

"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."