CATERING staff at Minehead and Williton Hospitals have cooked up a success story after national inspectors dished out the highest rating for the quality of food given to patients.

Both hospitals scored 'excellent' in statistics just published by the National Patient Safety Agency, which checks out standards across a range of patient services.

Each of England's 1,242 hospitals is given a Patient Environment Action Team (PEAT) rating for the quality of patient environment, food, and privacy and dignity, ranging from poor to excellent.

Williton also scored the top rating for privacy and dignity, while notching up a good for environment, which includes bathroom areas, decor, lighting, floors and patient access.

Minehead came in with a good for both its environment and privacy and dignity.

Williton Hospital matron Anne Henson said: "This latest PEAT inspection rating offers patients important reassurance about the standards at local hospitals.

"I am delighted that the quality of patient food has received the highest 'excellent' rating.

"Many of our patients are frail and elderly and providing them with good food and the help they need to eat is a team effort, involving everyone from catering staff to nurses and staff working the hospital wards."

Mrs Henson said all the staff at Williton also worked in a way to promote patient privacy and dignity, giving patients choice in their care and allowing them to have their own space, when appropriate.

She said patient surveys had confirmed that people staying at Williton Hospital were very satisfied with their care.