Hospitals in Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells have been rated as among some of the worst nationally for cleanliness of wards and toilets.

The Healthcare Commission has published the results of a survey it began in October, asking patients to rate the quality of care.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust was ranked as among the bottom 20 per cent of trusts on issues of the cleanliness of wards and toilets and the quality of hospital food.

Compared with other trusts, it was also among the bottom of all trusts when patients were asked if they thought there were enough nurses on the wards.

Of the patients surveyed, 37 per cent said their room or ward was very clean and 46 per cent said it was fairly clean.

And 32 per cent of respondents said toilets were very clean , but only six per cent said they were not very clean.

Just 10 per cent rated the hospital food as very good.

When these percentages were converted by the Healthcare Commission, it put the trust among the bottom 20 per cent of trusts nationally.

Eighty five per cent of patients said their care was either excellent, very good or good.

Glenn Douglas, chief executive of the trust, has now set out the measures taken to improve patient care.

He said the survey showed "mixed perceptions".

He added: "We’re disappointed that not all of our patients were left with a good perception of the care they received but not surprised.

"The survey came in the wake of the report into C.difficile outbreaks in 2005/06 and marks a period of concern for our patients. But it does not reflect the ongoing improvements since then that are reducing infection rates, raising standards of care and rebuilding patient confidence."

Mr Douglas added that since the survey was carried out the trust has embarked on a nursing recruitment drive and set up specialist wards and stroke units.