URGENT work is being done to make sure Huddersfield Royal Infirmary gets a clean bill of health.

Two wards - one labelled as `disgusting' - criticised by an independent panel because of their state of cleanliness, are to undergo major facelifts.

And hospital bosses hope it will mean the whole Infirmary gets a clean bill of health.

The demand for action came from the Patient and Public Involvement in Health Forum.

Their members toured wards at both HRI and the Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax, inspecting hygiene standards

The Infirmary report was generally good.

A forum spokesman said: "The wards visited were very busy, so there was little chance of questioning the nurses or cleaners without interfering in their duties. But by and large everything seemed to be clean and in good repair.

"Hand-cleaning facilities at the entrance to the wards were well placed and at most well-advertised.

"But Wards 8 and 16 must have their problems addressed as soon as possible.

"Ward 8, a medical ward, had a floor covered in a patchwork of black and yellow striped sticky tape, which must make cleaning impossible.

"With Ward 16, used for orthopaedic cases, there is only one word to describe it - disgusting.

"The walls were streaked and dirty, even in the side rooms.

"Ledges above head height had not been dusted in a long time and all hand basins needed cleaning and resealing behind the taps.

"The bathrooms and toilets should also be sealed in areas surrounding wet zones."

A spokesman for the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust said it was a positive report.

"We have had no concerns raised by patients about cleanliness on either of the wards mentioned this year, or any formal complaints.

"Also, external assessments on cleanliness have raised no concerns about either of the wards.

"It is important that people recognise the difference between a ward that needs decorating and one where there are real hygiene issues.

"However, we had already recognised that improvements were needed on the wards. New bathrooms and toilets are being installed on Ward 16 and it is being redecorated.

"Ward 8's floor will be replaced in the next few months, when patients can be accommodated elsewhere.

"Patients can be reassured that we are not concerned there is any raised risk of infection in either of these wards."