The scandal of the UK's filthy hospital kitchens

Vermin, cockroaches and mouse droppings, medical waste on food handling equipment and poor person hygiene among catering staff were all cited as problems.

The report said dozens of hospitals were failing to store food at the correct temperature, while 18 had food that was out of date, putting patients' health at risk.

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The findings came from a Freedom of Information request submitted to a quarter of all English local authorities, asking them for their local authority health inspection reports into the food preparation areas of hospitals within their authority.

It revealed nearly a fifth of hospitals surveyed kept food at the wrong temperature or in unsafe conditions, while 11 hospitals had problems with vermin.

Of the 377 hospitals included in the responses, 173 displayed poor cleanliness and 68 fell below the legal requirements for food storage conditions.

A total of 107 hospitals did not have correct food safety documentation, 25 had inadequate staff training and 66 stored food at incorrect temperatures.

The findings showed 11 institutions had a vermin or pest problem while 57 had staff with poor personal hygiene or a lack of hand washing.

Liberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb MP said: "These findings paint a shocking picture of hospital food hygiene in this country.

"It is simply unacceptable that such terrible practices are taking place in an environment where hygiene and safety should be paramount.

"Sick people are already vulnerable to infection. They don't need the added risk of food-borne bacteria spread by lax standards.

"Patients have a right to know how their food is being prepared when they go into hospital. Hygiene standards must be made public via clear and accessible ratings for each institution.

"The worst performers should be named and shamed - while those doing well would stand as an example to drive up standards."

In six hospitals, inspections highlighted five or more areas of concern.

The institutions were:

• Farnham Road Hospital in Guildford

• Churchill Hospital in Oxford

• Blackpool Victoria Hospital in Blackpool

•City Hospital in Derby

•Ipswich Hospital in Ipswich

•Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in Norwich

At the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, "full grown adult" cockroaches were found in kitchens according to the 2006 report; the 2007 report stated there had been "regular reports of an infestation of oriental cockroaches in the kitchen".

At the Countess of Chester Hospital in Chester milk was found stored in the drug freezer in the radiology department.

Mice were found in the lobby of Erith & District Hospital Canteen in Erith where numerous hazards were found included peeling paint on the kitchen ceiling, damaged cupboards, shelves and work surfaces and a kitchen needing a "thorough deep clean and disinfection".

At the Mary Hewetson Cottage Hospital in Keswick, prawns were stored alongside ice cream.

Inspectors visiting the Mayday University Hospital in Croydon found a syringe and needle on supper tray and pre-cooked chicken stored next to raw meat.

A Food Standards Agency spokesman said: "We would be keen to see any information or report that shows significant hygiene problems and will take the matter up with the local authorities.

"Where there are problems we will expect the local authority to take appropriate and immediate action." And a Department of Health spokesperson said:

"Failure to meet hygiene standards is unacceptable and where there are problems, we expect the local authorities responsible for inspecting and enforcing food hygiene regulations to take action."