OLDER patients at Royal Blackburn Hospital described staff as ‘kind, caring and respectful’ and told independent inspectors that its food was ‘very good’.

Care Quality Commission inspectors visited the hospital in April as part of a national check on standards of dignity and nutrition.

They interviewed staff and patients, reviewed data from East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), and analysed its procedures.

The team found that the hospital was meeting all essential standards.

Their report said: “We were told that staff are very good, kind, caring and pleasant; they are absolutely brilliant and so kind, and can’t do enough for you.

“Patients were very happy with how the staff care for them.

“During our visit we were told that ‘the staff speak to the older ladies lovely and give respect to them. They are not condescending’.

“Patients told us that they had not felt embarrassed or uncomfortable during their stay and that dignity is observed by the staff.

“Patients were very positive about their experiences at mealtimes. They commented that someone had talked to them about what they would like to eat and what support they needed. They all felt they were listened to.”

The trust said inspectors made ‘minor recommendations’ to help it ensure the hospital continued to meet nutrition standards, which had already been put in place.

Lynn Wissett, the trust’s deputy chief executive, said: “We always welcome the opportunity to have our services independently assessed, to help us ensure we are providing the best possible healthcare to the people of East Lancashire.

“The trust is committed to ensuring all our patients feel safe and comfortable in hospital, our staff work hard to maintain single-sex accommodation, and work with all patients and their families to involve them in planning treatment.”