A HOSPITAL in North Wales has been given a one star hygiene rating after a surprise inspection.

Food safety officers from Denbighshire Council undertook the unarranged visit to the Glan Clwyd Hospital - and discovered that a number of fridges located at ward level were not being managed in compliance with the Food Safety Act.

These findings have impacted the overall Food Hygiene Rating for the hospital - which has now been reassessed as one when previously the score was four.

A spokesperson for Denbighshire Council, said: "Council officers have attended a meeting with staff from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to discuss the findings of the report.

"Staff from the health board have outlined what action they have already put in place to resolve some of the issues identified.

"The hospital will be subject to a follow up inspection shortly."

Gill Harris, executive director of nursing and midwifery at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: "This inspection has highlighted an issue with the management of a small number of fridges on our wards which are used to store leftover food and drinks for patients.

"In response, we have already conducted an audit of fridges of this type across the Health Board and have strengthened our processes for checking fridge temperatures.

"I can reassure staff, patients, and the public that there have been no recorded incidents of food or drink related illnesses at Glan Clwyd Hospital and that the in-house catering staff continue to deliver high quality catering services from new, modern kitchens.

"We ask that patients and visitors help us to maintain good food safety by:

  • bringing only food which does not need refrigeration or reheating into our hospitals;
  • buying only food or drinks from the hospital café/shops for patients that does not need to be refrigerated or reheated in hospital; and
  • not bringing takeaway food into hospital."

A 'ward kitchen' relates to a small area, which typically has a kettle, toaster and fridge - where patient food may be prepared and stored at ward level.

The health board prepares and serves 10,000 meals to patients every day - which totals to over 3.5m per year.

A re-inspection will take place later next month to evidence completion of the actions required.

After this inspection, the health board will apply to Denbighshire Council for a rescore.