A MENTAL health unit in Worcester has been given top marks for maintaining high levels of cleanliness.

The Healthcare Commission challenged hospitals to regain the confidence of patients on cleanliness by bringing their services up to the standards of the best.

And the Elgar Unit at Newtown Hospital did just that by obtaining the Healthcare Commission's top Band 1.

Dr Ros Keeton, chief executive of Worcestershire Mental Health NHS Trust, said: "I am absolutely delighted with the Healthcare Commission's findings during the first independent inspection of hospital cleanliness in England.

"The Elgar Unit at Newtown Hospital was part of a random sample 'spot check' during the process.

"To receive the top Band 1 is all the more welcomed as NHS mental health hospitals generally were markedly poor."

The trust will now strive to maintain this high level of cleanliness throughout all its units.