I am not surprised Southend Hospital has been criticised for being dirty.

I wrote to them two years ago about the dirt I saw and they said they would clean up.

The lift being used for patients, food and rubbish, had a tile missing on the floor, the doors of the lift were stained with spillage and the rugs by the doors were thick with dirt.

The person doing the cleaning was the same person serving the food, wearing the same overall.

I was told that it was acceptable for the cleaner to serve food.

The drip stands were chipped.

Obviously there has been no improvement.

Also in the visitors toilet a sheet had been signed to say the toilet had been inspected half an hour before.

The inspection sheet was on the floor and there was no soap or toilet paper.

As I had the good fortune not to go back there again, I don't know what improvements were made.

Obviously none.

Beatrice Shirley
The Upway
Basildon