An Oxford hospital has hit back at claims it failed to meet basic hygiene standards in its kitchens.

The Churchill Hospital, in Headington, was criticised for its food storage, food temperature, poor personal hygiene and poor cleanliness in a report prepared by Liberal Democrat MP Norman Lamb following a Freedom of Information Act request.

The request was submitted to a quarter of local authorities in England asking for health inspection reports into food preparation areas.

The survey took into account 377 hospitals.

But Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Churchill, said there were no major problems with hygiene in its kitchens, a view supported by the city council's environmental health team.

A hospital spokesman said: "Our last inspection was in February this year.

"The inspection report did not show problems with vermin or pests, or lack of personal cleanliness, nor have these issues been raised in previous years."

The spokesman said the hospital had not been issued with an improvement notice in at least the past 15 years.

Criticisms in the report suggested out-of-date sandwiches were kept in the fridge and freezer temperatures were not cold enough.

Neil Bacon, city council food safety team manager, said: "The food safety standards at the Churchill Hospital are at a very good standard and give us no cause for concern."

Jacquie Pearce-Gervis, the chairman of the Oxfordshire Radcliffe Hospitals Patients' Forum, said its members last inspected the hospital in November 2005 and was satisfied with standards.

She said: "We are due to come back before Christmas.

"No member of the public has raised it with us at the moment, but if the public would like to raise any aspects we would be very happy for them to contact us.