THE cleanliness of Gwent's biggest hospitals has improved, say patients' watchdogs, with new technology and more staff training paying dividends in the fight against infections.

The Royal Gwent and Nevill Hall Hospitals were visited by members of Gwent Community Health Council last month as part of an annual Wales-wide Hospital Patient Environment audit, and their findings report is welcome news for Gwent Healthcare Trust.

Infection control teams have been battling to stem an increase in Clostridium Difficile cases, while a BBC Wales undercover documentary in May exposed shortcomings in cleaning practices.

The CHC audit focused on areas such as cleanliness, decoration, the availability of support staff, and the quality of the food for patients.

Gwent CHC chief officer Cathy O'Sullivan said members were particularly impressed with improvements in overall cleanliness, while standards of maintenance had also improved, particularly in terms of toilets used by patients and also visitors.

"It was clear that, despite a chronic lack of storage, the de-cluttering exercise recently undertaken by Gwent Healthcare Trust had reduced the amount of equipment routinely stored in corridors," she said.

Improvements are still necessary and the CHC expects the trust to develop an action plan, with follow-up visits planned next spring to check on progress.

"Gwent Community Health Council has no hesitation in challenging the Trust when we find a poor environment for patients," said Mrs O’Sullivan.

"Equally, however, we need to recognise when progress is made. Much of our hospital estate in Gwent is old and difficult to maintain and keep clean.

"Even so, an investment in new technology and staff training seem to be paying off in terms of a cleaner environment. We look forward to working with the trust to raise standards even higher."