A MATERNITY hospital condemned over hygiene failures has made improvements in cleanliness and infection control but inspectors warned that theatre equipment was still at risk of contamination.

Aberdeen Maternity Hospital was at the centre of a damning report by inspectors when they highlighted evidence of blood-stained equipment and dirty wards.

A series of unannounced inspections last year found "significant" issues with the neonatal unit, operating theatre and procedure room, including bodily fluids on walls, blood on bed rails, frames and mattresses.

NHS Grampian has seen complaints about maternity care increasing year-on-year, from 31 in 2009 to 73 in 2013.

Inspectors visited the unit, which is due to be replaced by a new maternity hospital, for an unannounced inspection on June 30 and July 1 and found that two requirements had been met, and the third was partially met.

Dr Roelf Dijkhuizen, Medical Director of NHS Grampian, welcomed the "marked improvement" in standards reported by inspectors.

Susan Brimelow, HEI Chief Inspector, said: "We will continue to monitor standards of cleanliness at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital."

Meanwhile, a report by Unison said hospital cleaners had been told to use washing up liquid instead of bleach to save money.

Dave Watson, Unison Scotland's Head of Bargaining and Campaigns, said: "Cleaners provide a vital service across our public services, but they tell us how the cuts mean they are struggling to keep up hygiene standards."