News Release
Wednesday 8th July 2009

Thornbury Hospital has scored ‘excellent’ for its hospital food and providing privacy and dignity for patients, in figures published by the National Patient Safety Agency.

The hospital environment, which includes standards of hygiene and cleanliness, has been rated as ‘good’.

The annual Patient Environment Action Team assessments (PEAT)* show that Thornbury Hospital has significantly improved on results for the last two years, when the hospital environment was rated as ‘acceptable’.

A PEAT assessment examines standards in three main areas:

• “Environment” – (cleanliness, decoration, linen, furniture and state of repair);
• “Food” – (quality of food and its nutritional value);
• “Privacy and Dignity” – (the quality of sleeping accommodation as well as toilet/bathroom facilities.

Alison Robinson, NHS South Gloucestershire’s Director for Clinical Development and the Prevention and Control of Infection, said, “We are delighted that Thornbury Hospital has been rated so highly and has significantly improved. These results are a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our NHS staff and the fantastic support we get from the Thornbury community.

“Henderson Ward is currently undergoing a series of improvements which will raise the standard of the hospital environment. Work has been carried out to provide single sex washing and toilet facilities, to further enhance patient’s privacy. Whilst the Ward has been temporarily closed to complete the works we are carrying out additional improvements to fire safety, kitchen facilities and a new nurse call bell system.”

For more info contact Sue Pratt, NHS South Gloucestershire’s Communications Manager, 0117 330 2499.

Notes to Editors

1.* The Patient Environment Action Team assessments (PEAT)* look annually at standards across a range of patient services to give hospitals an overall performance rating. NHS Estates established the PEAT assessments in 2000 to asses NHS hospitals.

PEAT is conducted annually and this year, trusts were asked to conduct the assessment between 5th January and 17th April 2009.

2. Hospitals in this instance are defined as inpatient healthcare facilities that have more than ten beds

3. The assessment teams consist of NHS Staff, including nurses, matrons, doctors, catering and domestic service managers, executive and non-executive directors, dieticians and estates directors.  Most also include patients, patient representatives and/or members of the public.

4. PEAT results are at :www.npsa.nhs.uk

To top of page