HEALTH secretary Hazel Blears praised staff for making a West Dorset hospital the cleanest in the country when she visited Dorchester.

The Member of Parliament walked around wards, talked to staff and had lunch during her tour of Dorset County Hospital.

Ms Blears, who is Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health, paid tribute to staff for winning a national award for the cleanest hospital in the country.

She said: "They have done a fabulous job.

"Cleanliness and hygiene is a very important issue for patients. I have passed my congratulations on and I am sure they will continue to carry out such essential work to such a high standard."

Robin SeQueira, chairman of West Dorset General Hospitals NHS Trust, and staff welcomed Ms Blears.

The MP, who has special responsibility for hospital environments and the South West, stopped off in Dorchester on a two- day tour.

Pat Taylor, hospital housekeeping manager, said: "It is nice for the staff to be recognised."

Mr SeQueira added: "We are delighted that the minister has found time to visit the trust to see first hand the valuable contribution of this staff group."

Ms Blears met nurses, doctors, cleaners, porters, surgeons, therapists and support staff during her tour of the £45 million complex.

She was due in Sidmouth and Exeter later in the day and was to finish her south west tour in Truro, Cornwall, today.