OXFORD’S John Radcliffe Hospital is failing to meet an “essential standard” of quality and safety, according to the health watchdog.

A report by the Care Quality Commission, released today, has said the hospital must improve the food service if offers older patients. The findings reveal “one patient who could not drink independently, was not seen to be offered a drink over a four hour period, other than at lunchtime”.

Inspectors did, however, find there was adequate choice of food on offer to patients. But overall, they concluded the hospital had failed to meet the standard on nutrition.

The hospital has 10 days to provide an action plan on how it will address the problem.