PATIENTS have rated Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust “very highly” for the quality of its food and cleanliness.

The Trust, which runs Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester and Andover War Memorial Hospital, scored an impressive 99 per cent for cleanliness following its annual patient-led Assessments of the care environment inspection.

Assessors also awarded the Trust a score of 92 per cent for the quality of its food, meaning that it finished above the national average and improved on last year in terms of both cleanliness and food.

An assessor, speaking about Basingstoke hospital, added: “The site is very clean, food is very good and the hospital catered well for those with physical disabilities.”

Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We pride ourselves on constantly striving to provide the best possible standard of care for our patients, which is why we really value this feedback from members of the public.

“It’s great to know that the hard work and dedication of our staff was appreciated by the assessors, who awarded us very high scores for cleanliness and food quality, keeping us above the national average.

“While we are happy with the results of this inspection, we are determined to continue to make further improvements for the benefits of our patients. I would like to thank all those who carried out the assessments which will help us to get even better.”

Meanwhile, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) have confirmed that an agreement is in place for RVS to continue running services at Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester.

Hardworking and dedicated volunteers and employees from the charity will continue to run the shop and trolley service at the hospital. RVS will continue to gift to the Trust, in lieu of rent, the same sum it has done previously.

Mr Whitfield said: “We are delighted that the RVS will continue to have a presence at Royal Hampshire County Hospital and are looking forward to working closely with the charity in the future.

“Everyone at the Trust really appreciates the important role carried out by the RVS and their hard-working group of volunteers and employees, so we are really pleased to have this agreement in place.”

Kate Bull, executive director of retail for RVS, said: “We remain committed to our volunteers at Royal Hampshire County Hospital and to continuing to serve patients, visitors and staff at the hospital.

“It’s great news that an agreement is in place and we look forward to working with the Trust, continuing the relationship enjoyed by both sides for so many years.”