Medway NHS Foundation Trust is one of 21 NHS trusts which have failed to meet new hygiene standards.

The test - carried out by the new health watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC) - was part of a system being introduced for registering NHS trusts as fit to practice.

It was expected to be passed by all 388 NHS trusts.

The CQC has the power to fine or force the closure of hospitals that do not improve quickly.

Four of the 21 - including Medway - are foundation trusts with independence from Whitehall control.

Barbara Young, chair of the CQC, said: "In 21 trusts we need further assurance that they are meeting the regulations. We have placed rigorous conditions on these trusts’ registration and will monitor them closely.

"While infection rates at these trusts are not necessarily higher, they can do more to strengthen their approaches to infection control and help prevent outbreaks.

"We will monitor their performance throughout the year and will not hesitate to use our enforcement powers to protect patients’ safety where needed."

~Listen: Jacqueline McKenna, director of nursing at the Foundation Trust, tells how the trust has a plan in action to clean up the remaining four wards>>>

The test was part of a system being introduced for registering NHS trusts as fit to practice.

The CQC's powers include issuing warning notices, fines, prosecution, or even forcing the closure of a hospital or department in extreme circumstances.

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