JAMES Paget University Hospital's NHS Foundation Trust has received the highest award possible for its standards of food safety for the second year running.

JAMES Paget University Hospital's NHS Foundation Trust has received the highest award possible for its standards of food safety for the second year running.

It received a five-star grading after being assessed in areas like preparation, storage, hygiene and temperature control, by a team from the local council.

Nichola Hicks, head of support services at the Trust, said: “Our qualified chefs and catering staff take great pride in preparing food for the hospital in a clean and safe environment.

“All surfaces and storage areas are meticulously cleaned daily and we use fresh ingredients, which are mainly sourced locally.”

The hospital is now displaying its food safety award certificates in Paget's Cafe, which is open to the public, and the staff Aubergine Restaurant.

Around 2,000 meals a day are prepared on site and served to patients, visitors and staff at the hospital by its catering team.

Menus at the hospital are nutritionally balanced, provide a choice and cover the dietary needs of its patients.