THE Evening News has been inundated with letters defending Worcestershire Royal Hospital after it was slated in a television programme.

The hospital recently featured in the BBC1 show Kenyon Confronts, in which undercover reporters claimed bags of clinical waste were left in corridors, staff failed to clean up excrement, and medication and dirty dressings were left under beds.

Many Evening News readers were horrified by the claims and have written to defend the reputation of the hospital.

Anthony Pritchard, of Windsor Avenue, St John's, Worcester, frequently visits the hospital with his wife.

"We can only say after making so many visits over the last few months that every department we have seen, including corridors and toilets, have been spotless," he said.

"The staff have all been superb, kind, friendly and caring.

"Had we been paying privately for this health service we could not have received better treatment."

Derick Jardine, of Primrose Crescent, St Peter the Great, Worcester, agreed. "I found it excellent in all respects," he said. The doctors and nurses were excellent and I feel the article on the television programme did not do them justice.

"The cleaners worked hard, moving furniture and beds regularly and cleaning around.

"I couldn't write, walk or talk for some time and really appreciate how they have got me back to doing all these things again."

Janet Buckell, of Bush Lane, Callow End, added: "I have spent five weeks in the hospital, during which time the care and kindest attention I received could not be faulted.

"I also found the hospital immaculate and spotlessly clean."

But not everyone had positive things to say about the hospital. Michael Carter, of Droitwich, said of his visit: "As I was incapable of walking, my wife had to take me by wheelchair to the assessment area where we found conditions chaotic.

"We had to sit against a wall looking at three patients in bed who enjoyed no privacy whatsoever. I have absolutely no criticism of the staff, who were always very caring, but working under the most stressful conditions.

"However, the building's design leaves one wondering what input medical staff had. Apart form the assessment area, which is totally inadequate, the entrance atrium might be appropriate for a five star hotel but is a complete waste of space for a hospital."