The government's health watchdog, the Healthcare Commission, has issued an improvement notice to the Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust because of poor infection control.

The Healthcare Commission carried out surprise inspections at hospitals run by the Trust and found blood stained walls and rails, filthy commodes and inadequately sterilised surgical equipment.  The Trust were criticised for failing to provide and maintain a clean and appropriate environment for healthcare.

The Trust is responsible for the running of the Princess Royal University Hospital, Orpington Hospital and Beckenham Hospital.

The Healthcare Commission's chief executive, Anna Walker, described the situation as "unnaceptable to patients".

04 February 2008