OKEHAMPTON's Castle Hospital has improved its standards, according to an independent inspector's report announced last week.
The hospital, which is due to be replaced by a new hospital to be opened in the town next summer, has improved from a 'poor' red state to an acceptable amber.
The 'traffic light' gradings have been given to 22 hospitals in the North and East Devon Health Authority area after independent inspectors examined them for cleanliness and environment.
Marks were awarded for entrance and reception areas, internal decoration and signage, toilets, support staff, grounds, gardens and car parks.
Locality manager Jane Barr said: 'We are pleased we have gone from a red to an amber. I think we would always like to think we are a clean hospital, but I think we have moved from red to amber because we were given some money to do some enhancing of the environment.'
Miss Barr said a variety of improvements had been carried out at the hospital, including purchase of new chairs in the casualty department, painting of toilets and corridors and other items of furniture in some areas.
She said a balance had to be struck with improvements, as the hospital was only expected to remain open for a limited time.
Dr Gill Morgan, chief executive of the health authority, said: 'The results are very good and show we have high standards right across our area.
'Patients and their families can see that their local hospitals are clean and tidy and that this is a high priority for the Trusts, which run the services.'
The inspection panel was drawn from managers from other hospitals, specialist hygiene control nurses and patient watchdogs such as the Patients' Association and Patient Concern.
The new 35-bed hospital will be built off the Crediton Road in Okehampton. The £250,000 fundraising appeal to help complete the new project was given a boost last week with a cheque for £5,000 — it was chosen by Okehampton mayor Cllr Christine Marsh to be her charity for last year.