Thumbs-up for Leeds hospital food and cleanliness

Hospitals in Leeds have scored well for food and cleanliness in an assessment led by patients.
Leeds General Infirmary.Leeds General Infirmary.
Leeds General Infirmary.

The latest results of the Patient-Led Assessment of the Care Environment (PLACE) showed Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust was rated as above average in three out of the five categories – condition and maintenance of buildings, as well as food and cleanliness. 
The trust was slightly below average for privacy, dignity and wellbeing and in its ability to meet the needs of patients with dementia.

A report to hospital directors by Craige Richardson, associate director of estates and facilities, said: “The trust shows a favourable position on all criteria when compared nationally, regionally and on all five criteria within our peer group (of similar-sized hospital trusts). Another pleasing step change this year has been recorded within the patient catering element.”

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The assessment programme was introduced by the Department of Health in 2013 and is carried out by patient representatives across the country.

The latest checks took place earlier this year in mainly inpatient areas, accident and emergency or minor injury units and so Seacroft hospital, which does not have any of these facilities, was not inspected.

The aim is to look at non-clinical activities which affect patients, such as standards of cleanliness, the condition of premises and the quality and availability of food and drink.

Improvements highlighted included in the taste, texture and appearance of meals and building works such as deep cleaning main entrances and refurbishment of lifts in LGI and St James’s Hospital. Assessors also noticed action had been taken on issues raised last year, such as the availability of quiet rooms for patients to discuss their care with medics.

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