Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has again demonstrated its commitment to providing high standards for the quality of its patient environments.

Results recently published from the Patient-led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE) published by the Health and Social Care Information Centre show the Trust scored an impressive 99.16% for cleanliness, 97.00% for food and hydration, 89.32% for privacy, dignity and wellbeing, and 95.85% for condition, appearance and maintenance.

These results, which are combined for King’s Mill, Mansfield Community and Newark hospitals, are well above the national averages of 97.25%, 88.79%, 88.73% and 91.97% respectively.

Paul O’Connor, Chief Executive of Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The hospital environment plays a critical part in ensuring our patients have a positive health experience when receiving treatment at our hospitals. I am delighted we have again this year received consistently excellent scores for patient environment. This is a tribute to the hard work, expertise and dedication which all our staff bring to patients and their families every day at this Trust.

“I was particularly pleased to see how well we scored for food and hydration, particularly in light of the Government’s drive to improve nutritional standards for patients. We already run a protected mealtime system, with visitors when present being asked to assist with meals and disturbance of nursing staff during mealtimes being kept to a minimum wherever possible. In 2012 our staff and visitor restaurant introduced nutritional labelling for the foods we serve, so people can understand the nutritional value of what they are eating as we recognise the importance of healthy eating for all.

“We remain committed to a high level of excellence and are working closely in partnership with both Medirest and Skanska Facilities Services to provide a patient environment which is welcoming, safe and respectful and these results show we are on the right path for achieving that for all our patients.”.