Snap inspection rates hospital cleaning as 'poor'

Significant improvements must be made to cleaning at Stirling Royal Infirmary, according to a new report.

The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) report followed an unannounced inspection of the hospital in February.

Inspectors found the hospital's standards of cleaning were "poor" and reported finding stained mattresses, dirty commodes and dust around patients' beds.

They also found dirty linen stored in bathrooms and corridors before being disposed of.

The latest report said cleaning standards were "poor" in six of the eight areas inspected and did not meet the NHS Scotland National Cleaning Services Specification. Staff had been given out-of-date policy manuals, including guidance on the management of MRSA and hand hygiene.

But the report also found the hospital had a "good approach" to antimicrobial prescribing and stewardship, and effective systems for managing patients.

A statement from NHS Forth Valley said it took the report's findings "very seriously".