Top scores for food, cleanliness and treating patients with dignity

Our patients are benefiting from a clean, welcoming environment, excellent food and are being treated with dignity and respect, according to a new report published by the NHS Information Centre.

The 2012 patient environment action team (PEAT) assessment showed that at Guy’s, we scored “excellent” for patient environment, the quality of food and for preserving patients’ privacy and dignity. At St Thomas’, we scored “excellent” for patient environment and the quality of food, and “good” for privacy and dignity.

Eileen Sills, chief nurse, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and testament to the way our nursing and support staff work together for the benefit of patients. After the excellent results in 2011, I am pleased to say that we have maintained our performance, and I’d like to personally thank all of our staff for their efforts.

“Providing a comfortable patient environment is part of our commitment to our patients. Earlier this year, we introduced a welcome pack for all new patients which we hope will further improve the patient experience.”

The assessment involves staff and patient representatives from across the organisation carrying out a one-day inspection of the hospital environment. They inspect the fabric of the building both inside and out, the cleanliness of the wards and other areas and speak to patients about their experience. They also carry out food tasting to check the quality of food being provided to patients on the wards. The results are then validated by an independent assessor.

Although it is a voluntary programme, 100 per cent of the eligible 1,148 hospitals and NHS organisations took part this year, along with 160 independent hospitals.