A HOSPITAL which treats Bromsgrove residents has been rated 'acceptable' in recent cleanliness checks.

The Alexandra Hospital, in Redditch, was given a yellow light rating in the nationwide checks, which were carried out by Patient Environment Action Teams, made up of volunteers from within the NHS and patient groups.

Members of the teams spot-checked the Alex a number of times throughout this year, from spring through to autumn.

The inspection included general cleanliness, staff uniforms, toilets, signage and whether people coming into the hospital can see them clearly, linen and canteen food.

Three out of the five hospitals run by Worcestershire Health Authority received green light ratings, putting them in the 'excellent' category and the other two, including the Alex, received yellow ratings.

Health secretary Alan Milburn hopes new steps would ensure cleaner hospitals.

He said: "From 2002 all NHS Trusts will have to comply with new national cleanliness standards.

"Cleanliness will be a key part of how each hospital's performance is judged and matrons are back on the wards with responsibility for ensuring wards are clean and that cleanliness standards are set, met and maintained."

A Worcestershire Health Authority spokeswoman said: "We are pleased to have received the green light rating on three of our hospitals and we will be working to achieve the same high standards at the Alex hospital in Redditch."