SIGNIFICANT progress has been made at a maternity hospital where inspectors had raised serious concerns about hygiene after finding blood stains on mattresses, bed rails and sinks.

Health Secretary Alex Neil told MSPs a number of "positive quality improvements" had taken place at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital after a scathing report by the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate.

Mr Neil said a new report, published by the inspectors last week, had noted "a series of positive quality improvements" at the Aberdeen hospital.

He added: "NHS Grampian responded to the serious issues identified … and staff should be commended on their work. It is encouraging that through strong inspection, followed by swift action, significant progress has been made."