Inspectors tell hospital it must clean up its act

The inspection found that in six of the eight wards inspected at Wishaw General Hospital, cleanliness was unsatisfactory, with dust and fluff under beds, on surfaces and skirting boards.

The inspectors also told the hospital that staff should change into uniforms at work, rather than travel to hospital in them.

Looking at cleaning in the hospital, the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate said they found "significant levels of dust and fluff" in several areas, including on surfaces and shower units, cupboards and under beds.

In clinical preparation rooms they found dust and grit on the floor, while on the maternity wards there were high levels of dust in wall light fittings.

Concerns were raised about staff wearing their uniforms while travelling into work.

Some staff said while there were changing facilities at the hospital, there was a lack of secure storage to let them use them.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "Some concerns have been highlighted, and I would like to see NHS Lanarkshire introduce the necessary improvements as a matter of urgency to assure the public that they can have full confidence in the cleanliness of our hospitals."

Tim Davison, chief executive of NHS Lanarkshire, said: "We are extremely disappointed that cleaning standards in some areas were found to be below our expectations."

He added: "We have already taken urgent action to make tangible changes to secure improvement."