OKEHAMPTON Hospital provides an excellent service to patients in terms of food, environment and privacy, according to inspectors.

The hospital achieved the highest mark possible in the annual Patient Environment Action Team assessments, run by the National Patient Safety Agency.

Inspectors checked all acute and community hospitals in England for their standards in three non-clinical areas — food, environment (including cleanliness) and privacy and dignity.

Okehampton was rated as excellent in all three categories for the second year in a row.

Hospitals rated as excellent are said consistently to exceed expectations, with little if any room for improvement.

Wendy Bellamy, matron at Okehampton, said: 'This has once again been an excellent year for the hospital.

'Thanks to the hard work and dedication of all the staff, we have been able to maintain consistently high standards.'

Moretonhampstead Community Hospital was rated as excellent for food and privacy and good for environment.

Hospitals rated as good are said to show a clear commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest possible standards, with only limited room for improvement. The inspections took place in January and February this year.

Inspection panels include NHS staff such as matrons and facilities and infection control teams, as well as patient representatives and an independent assessor.

The scores reflect cleanliness and tidiness standards at ward and public area levels. There is heavy focus on cleanliness of specific items and equipment, infection control issues in particular hand washing, décor and furnishings, food quality and food service, nutrition and privacy and dignity.

Okehampton and Moretonhampstead hospitals are managed by the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Kate Lyons, director of operations for the trust, added: 'The issues of cleanliness, food and privacy are very important and we do all we can to provide our patients with a high-quality service and experience.

'On the whole our hospitals have performed strongly and, by addressing areas in need of improvement, we are confident of maintaining and building on these high standards in the future.'

The PEAT report concluded: 'The inspection teams were encouraged by all the work and standards being achieved throughout the Trust.'