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Although it has always had a dubious reputation, few of us would expect that the standards of hospital food might result in us needing to make a claim for medical negligence compensation.
This, however, appears to be the reality presented by recent official inspection reports obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. These inspection reports describe truly abysmal food hygiene standards in both private and NHS English hospitals and seem to suggest that it is an issue that, unless quickly addressed, could eventually lead to increasing numbers of affected patients seeking medical negligence compensation.
Of the 377 hospitals included in the inspection reports, close to 50% were found to have unacceptable standards of food hygiene, while staff at nearly 60 hospital standards were found to have potentially dangerous standards of personal hygiene.
Unfortunately, the list just goes on. 66 hospitals were found to be at risk of promoting conditions for the growth of potentially deadly bacteria by storing foods at incorrect temperatures, 68 contravened laws on food safety storage, while in a statistic to send shivers up the spine of any potential patient, 11 were reported as having some level of rat or pest infestation.
The man who sought the information under the act, Liberal Democrat MP Norman Lamb, commented, "These findings paint a shocking picture of hospital food hygiene. It is simply unacceptable that such terrible practices are taking place in an environment where hygiene and safety should be paramount. Sick people are already vulnerable to infection. They don't need the added risk of food-borne bacteria spread by lax standards."
In response to the inspection report, a Department of Health spokesperson commented, "Good food is important for all patients and we expect every NHS trust to take their responsibilities on hospital food very seriously. Failure to meet hygiene standards is unacceptable, and when there are problems we expect the local authorities responsible for inspecting and enforcing food hygiene regulations to take action."
Consumer group Which? reflected public concern when they released the following statement, "These findings are absolutely shocking. Hospital kitchens should be the cleanest possible environments because they are catering for people who are trying to recover from serious illness and are at their most vunerable."
UK medical neglignence solicitor
YouClaim have a reputation for sensitivity and success when it comes to resolving clincial negligence claims.
Working under the governance of the Solicitors Regulation Authority, our personal injury solicitors specialise in this field of litigation, explain everything in clear language and, win or lose, charge no costs or fees.
In addition, our 100% compensation promise means that, as we never take a cut, you will always receive all the money awarded you.
If you wish to find out more about your right to medical negligence compensation, you can fill out an online claim form, request a callback, or use our e-chat facility.
Alternatively, if you would like to speak to a legal advisor now, simply call 0800 10 757 95.
