HOSPITAL food, ward cleanliness, and patient privacy and dignity will be under the spotlight with a new scheme.

Wye Valley NHS Trust is calling for volunteers to carry out unannounced inspections as part of a government initiative to drive improvements.

Volunteer inspectors will look at how the care environment supports patients’ needs.

Lucy Flanagan, director of nursing, said: “We want real feedback from people who will inspect from a patient’s perspective.

“Interested people with experience of their local hospital can call Jill Williams between 9am and 4pm weekdays on 01432 277117 or email jill.williams@wvt.nhs.uk by 20 September."

Hospital staff and those who have worked for the hospital in the last two years are ineligible.

The result of the team’s unannounced assessments will be published.