THE Scottish Ambulance Service has been criticised by Government watchdogs for failing to ensure infection control procedures are properly carried out by staff.

The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate said patients' health was being put at risk and the agency issued a number of recommendations following unannounced inspections of ambulance facilities across Scotland.

Among the breaches uncovered were staff not washing their hands properly, poor understanding of ambulance cleaning procedures, a lack of communication and a failure to keep adequate records.

Hospitals visited by the inspectorate included Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and the Victoria Hospital, Fife. The inspectors also said some staff were being placed under too much pressure and were not being given time to develop their skills.

Scottish Labour's Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health, Jackie Baillie, urged Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon to "get a grip" of the situation. She said: "With the brunt of cuts still to come, it is unclear how much more pressure can be taken before the sorts of failings identified in this report become more serious and more widespread."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We expect the Scottish Ambulance Service to take action to address those issues raised in the report and we welcome their improvement plan."

The Scottish Ambulance Service acknowledged work had to be done and said: "We have implemented an action plan that addresses the areas highlighted by the report."