THE front page of a recent Sunday newspaper carried the headline "Scandal of filthy hospital kitchens" followed by "Dossier's shock findings on hygiene."
It went on describe infestations of mice and cockroaches; ice cream and prawns stored together in fridges and freezers; orange juice kept next to chemicals; patients' meal trays used to transport contaminated material.
Of 377 NHS and private hospitals, 173 were found to have poor cleanliness in kitchens; nine of the 377 were private, of which six were found to have one area of concern; 11 of the 173 had experienced vermin or pest problems.
And 57 staff displayed an inadequate knowledge of personal hygiene, 68 were found to stock out of date food and did not meet minimum standards.
In addition, 66 were storing food at the wrong temperature, which can stimulate growth of bacterial.
A sorry picture isn't it?
Hospitals are supposed to save lives, not kill their patients!
ROY MARTIN, Kemp Court, Whalley New Road, Blackburn.
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