SOUTHEND Hospital is to spend £118,000 on cleaning equipment as part of the reorganisation of its cleaning, catering and hospitality services.

The money will be spent on new vacuum cleaners, buffers and steaming machines, which according to the hospital’s director of estates and facilities Colin Cadwallader “will help improve patients and visitors experience of coming into our hospital.”

As part of the reorganisation, the hospital's current caterers Medirest have been selected as the preferred bidder to carry on providing refreshments in the visitors restaurant, something they’ve done for the past 13 years.

The contract could also see Medirest taking over the catering hostesses who prepare and serve meals to patients on the wards.

The decision is due to be ratified at a hospital board meeting later this month.

Mr Cadwallader added: “We believe it makes sense to have them (Medirest) take over responsibility for the entire ward-based meal service – from preparation to patient bedside.”