Hospital team celebrates five-star award for food hygiene

The main kitchen, Café Express and Bistro at Leighton Hospital have been awarded the highest possible ratings for food hygiene and safety.

Each of the three areas received five stars after environmental health officers conducted an unannounced inspection at the site near Crewe.

The scores are based on a national Food Standards Agency (FSA) scheme, which works on a scale of 0 to 5.

Cheshire East Council is part of the FSA and its officers conduct inspections at Leighton Hospital.

The grading system says a score of five means the site has ‘very good hygiene standards’.

The latest maximum rating for Leighton Hospital comes after the site’s eateries and kitchen received the same top marks in June 2023.

Andrew Carter, Catering and Retail Manager at Mid Cheshire Hospitals, said:

“This latest rating is a testament to the incredible hard work of everyone who plays a part in our catering here at Leighton Hospital.

“Colleagues are dedicated to providing the best experience for our patients, visitors and staff and they should all be very proud of achieving this result. Thank you to everyone who helps us to continually meet these high standards.” 

Paula Bamber, Head of Facilities at Mid Cheshire Hospitals, said:

“As part of these inspections, officers look at our procedures, equipment, cleaning, and more. It’s a thorough check on everything linked to food hygiene and safety in our three main areas.

“The fact we’ve replicated last year’s top rating shows how consistently brilliant these teams are again and again. We’re very proud of our kitchen, Café and Bistro and the wonderful teams who make it all happen.”

Pictured - Andrew Carter, Catering and Retail Manager at Mid Cheshire Hospitals, left, with staff at the main kitchen, Leighton Hospital.