KITCHEN staff at the Royal Gwent Hospital had no soap to wash their hands, council inspectors found.

Environmental health officers checked food hygiene conditions in commercial canteens used by staff, patients and visitors at the Newport hospital.

In one busy section they were surprised to find no soap or any hand-washing detergents by a sink.

Stephen Davison, head of public protection and environmental services at Newport council, said: "We found cleanliness issues that need to be addressed.

"Staff need adequate facilities. Other than water there was nothing to wash hands at that site. There should have been soap there.

"This was nothing serious enough to merit formal action, but we will be revisiting the site to make sure improvements have been made.

"While we have no responsibility for the wards or public spaces in the hospital, we are responsible for ensuring they come up to food standards legislation."

A Royal Gwent spokesman said: "Following a recent environmental health visit it appears there was no soap in one dispenser in a side room where dishes are brought following meals.

"Staff in this area have been reminded of the importance of keeping all dispensers adequately stocked."

Councillor Peter Davies, whose Stow Hill ward covers the hospital, called for a report on the routine inspection, which took place in the last fortnight.

He said: "Not only would I not eat there, I'd never go in there to have a routine operation. Hygiene is important."