Inspectors visiting Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital have said its standards of cleanliness are still poor, despite £84,000 work to improve conditions.

Managers were given a score of two out of a possible four by a special Patient Environment Assessment Team which made an impromptu visit to the site.

Scoring ranges from one - unacceptable; two - poor; three - reasonable; and four - good.

Although catering services were given three, inspectors said the wards, public areas and grounds still needed improving in line with Government standards.

The John Radcliffe is the only one of four hospitals overseen by Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust that has failed to receive positive feedback from the inspectors.

Before yesterday's visit, managers made their own inspections to check target areas, like accident and emergency, and also collected 112 bin bags full of rubbish in just one litter pick throughout the grounds.

Managers spent more than £84,000 on the JR, including £30,000 on new bed linen, £27,000 for new drinks trolleys, and £11,000 on decorating and flooring.

Personnel Manager Mike Fleming said: I am disappointed to say the least, because I know the amount of time and energy that has gone into this."