WIRRAL hospitals have met all essential standards a far-reaching review by care watchdogs has revealed.

The Care Quality Commission published the first 12 reports from an England-wide inspection programme into standards of care at 100 hospitals.

Six trusts met all essential standards - including Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology and Wirral University Teaching Hospital.

Helen Porter, Clatterbridge director of nursing and quality, said: “Treating our patients as individuals and treating them with dignity and respect is fundamental to how all staff at Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology provide care.

"While we always aim to achieve this, it is always reassuring when an external report recognises this and in particular that our patients themselves reported that they were very satisfied with the care and treatment given to them during their stay with us.”

Wirral director of nursing and midwifery Tina Long said: “Providing high quality care to patients is our highest priority.

"Over the past 12 months we have implemented initiatives focusing on ensuring privacy and dignity for patients and on meeting their nutritional needs so we are naturally pleased to see the results of this reflected in the report.”

Only half of hospitals were providing essential standards of care as set down in the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

While there were many examples of good care, some hospitals performed poorly, inspectors found.

At the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, west London, inspectors expressed "moderate concern" about dignity and nutrition, finding that staff did not always make sure people had enough to eat and drink.

All the hospitals that are the subject of concern must now tell the CQC how they intend to improve.

The hospitals failing to meet essential standards could face enforcement action if they do not show improvement.