The quality of the food served to patients at Epsom Hospital is in the "middle range" compared to other hospitals in England, according to a new study.

As part of the 2014 Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment programme, teams of assessors visited every hospital and tasted the food on a sample of wards.

After sampling every item of offer, they rated it for taste, temperature, texture and how well it was served, with their views brought together in a single percentage score.

Epsom Hospital was given a score of 92.53 per cent for food quality which fell into the ‘middle range’. 

Food quality at St Helier hospital also fell into the ‘middle range’ but was slightly better with a score of 93.79 per cent.

The cost of food services per patient per day was £10.02 at both hospitals and both were in the ‘middle range’ for choice of food.

Trevor Fitzgerald, director of estates, facilities and capital projects at Epsom and St Helier hospitals trust, said: "We are pleased to see all of the encouraging feedback we have received from our patients as part of the assessment developed by the Health and Social Care Information Centre.

"Patient meals are something currently under scrutiny on a national level, so it is particularly encouraging to note that we have consistently been rated strongly for the food served at our hospitals.

"We continually strive for improvement in every aspect of our patients’ care, and the food served at our hospitals is no different.

"As of October, our catering company Mitie will be launching a new seasonal menu developed in collaboration with the trust’s dieticians that will continue to accommodate all of our patients’ requirements.

"Mitie will also be giving members of the public a stronger idea of our patient food at our annual public meeting.

"This event will take place on Monday September 15, and we would like to encourage anyone interested in the trust’s development to attend."

Croydon University hospital achieved 85.86 per cent, spending £10.90 per patient. 

St George’s hospital, in Tooting, achieved a score of 86.36 per cent, spending £6.50.

Kingston hospital achieved a 70.37 per cent score, with a spend per patient per day of £6.55.

These three were among the worst of the hospitals surveyed.