The Isle of Wight’s St Mary’s Hospital has been awarded a five-star food hygiene rating following an unannounced food hygiene inspection.

The Full Circle Restaurant has recently had a full makeover, and diners can now enjoy comfortable seating areas, both inside and outside, with a new daily menu, including hot food, a salad bar, sandwiches and desserts.

Inspectors looked at the handling of food for patients, visitors and staff, including how food is prepared and stored, the cleanliness of the facilities and how food safety is managed.

All areas of the inspection met the Environment Agency's highest standard of food hygiene.

Natalie Bennetts, head of facilities at the IW NHS Trust, said: “The catering team thrive on receiving excellent feedback on the service we provide, and it is no different when it comes to our food hygiene rating. 

“We produce over 1,000 good quality, nutritious meals every day from our traditional cook kitchen, so our food hygiene rating is important and is testament to the dedication of each and every one of our catering staff. 

“I am so proud that our patients, visitors and staff continue to enjoy the meals we provide.”

The restaurant, which is found on Level B in the hospital, is open to members of the public as well as patients and staff, offering a varied choice of menu, including vegetarian meals and special diets.