Patients assured on Withybush food standards (From Western Telegraph)

Patients assured on Withybush food standards

9:10am Saturday 14th July 2012 in News

Health bosses are reassuring patients that food produced at Withybush Hospital is completely safe after a low score from the Food Standards Agency.

The Food Standards Agency scoring system – often known as scores on the doors – is managed by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Environmental Health scheme, which scores all premises with food in the county.

Withybush’s kitchen was awarded just one out of five in February which meant ‘major improvement needed’ but Hywel Dda Health Board said significant improvements to catering documentation had now been made.

The Health Board blamed issues with documentation for the original low score.

Following a recent reinspection the Health Board anticipates that the kitchen is likely to achieve at least a four out of five or ‘good’.

A spokesman said: “An Environmental Health officer from Pembrokeshire County Council has visited the premises in the past week and noted the improvements, which will be reflected shortly in a higher food management rating score.

“Earlier this year, the hospital’s score was lowered (from a four to one) due to issues with documentation.

Patients, staff and visitors can be reassured that food produced at the hospital is completely safe and there were no concerns about the manner in which food was produced.”

The catering department at the hospital produces more than 5,000 meals each week, catering for a variety of patient needs.

Dedicated and hardworking catering staff members have been given enhanced training since the previous inspection, the spokesman added.

Director of Planning, Performance and Delivery Tony Chambers said: “We are pleased to have received an indication of a higher score in reflection of the improvements we have made to documentation.

“We will continue to make ongoing improvements and ensure that documentation is kept in accordance with food hygiene regulations so that our standards are maintained at the highest possible level.”

Pembrokeshire County Council confirmed that an inspection had taken place recently and improvements had been made in line with requirements.