Dirty wards, cobwebs and contaminated medical equipment have been highlighted in an inspection report into a Glasgow hospital.
Inspectors, on an unannounced visit to the Western Infirmary in July, found dirty commodes, thermometers, walls and cupboards.
The report said it found standards of cleanliness in the hospital variable with some parts having good levels.
However, in some areas human waste was found on equipment, and there were dirty thermometers, with one patched up with sticky tape.
It was also noted however, that patients who were asked thought the hospital was clean, with 81% stating the ward was always clean.
Nine wards in the 357 bed hospital were inspected: medical assessment, cardiology, stroke, nephrology, general medicine, orthopaedics, vascular, renal surgery, and general surgery. Problems were found in at least five wards.
The list of concerns included:
l Dirty cupboard interiors in a sluice room
l Contamination to walls of a clinical preparation room
l Dust on undercarriage area of four patient beds
l Contamination to underside of two patient beds
l Dust and cobwebs
l Eight out of 10 blood pressure cuffs were contaminated.
The report stated: "The standard of cleaning was found to be variable.
"We found some ward areas had good levels of cleaning and other areas where additional cleaning was needed."
The failings were discussed with ward managers and the official report recommendations require the hospital to "ensure that the standard operating procedure for the cleaning of near patient equipment is applied consistently across all wards.
Rory Farrelly, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Acute Director of Nursing, said: "We were very pleased to note the number of positive findings. However, we recognise that there are still areas we need to address."
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