FOOD at Thornbury Hospital has been rated excellent in a national standards survey.

The hospital also received top marks for providing patients with privacy and giving them dignity, in the study by the National Patient Safety Agency.

The hospital environment, which includes standards of hygiene and cleanliness, was rated good.

The statistics reveal a significant improvement in standards at the hospital, which only received an acceptable rating in the last survey in 2007.

Alison Robinson, director for clinical development and the prevention and control of infection at NHS South Gloucestershire which runs the community hospital, 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."

She said further improvements were being carried out to the Henderson Ward and would lead to standards being raised even higher.

She said: "Work has been carried out to provide single sex washing and toilet facilities, to further enhance patients' 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."

The report examined three main areas; the cleanliness, decoration and state of repair of the hospital environment, the quality and nutritional value of food served to patients and the quality of sleeping accommodation as well as bathroom facilities.

It was carried out by the Patient Environment Action Team assessments (PEAT) and included an inspection team of doctors, nurses, catering staff and dieticians as well as non-NHS professionals.