The high-dependency unit at Shetland’s main hospital was visibly dusty, according to hygiene inspectors.
A report from the Health Environment Inspectorate found that staff at the Gilbert Bain Hospital at Lerwick were in the dark over environmental and hand- hygiene audits.
It also criticised a shortage of clinical sinks and a failure to complete cleaning schedules consistently.
The hospital was inspected in December as part of a new regime to ensure that the highest hygiene standards are implemented as part of the fight against superbugs such as MRSA and clostridium difficile.
The inspectors’ report found that most areas in the hospital were “very clean” and met specifications. There was good communication between the health board and the cleaning contractor.
A number of areas of concern were found, however. The high-dependency unit in ward one was visibly dusty and the patients’ equipment-cleaning schedules were not completed consistently.
The inspection team said staff were confused over dissemination of results from health and hand-hygiene audits.
“The majority of staff spoken to did not have a clear understanding of what the information meant or how it should be used,” the report said.
The health board was commended for its work in involving the public in infection control and for the number of staff on the “cleanliness champions programme”.
An action plan for improvements has been agreed.
NHS Shetland chairman Ian Kinniburgh said: “I am pleased with the report received today by NHS Shetland and particularly the feedback that the Gilbert Bain Hospital was very clean.
“This is reassuring for the public and reinforces our belief that we are providing a quality service for patients.”
Health board chief executive Sandra Laurenson paid tribute to staff for the hard work they had put in.
“However, I recognise that there are a number of requirements and recommendations which have been made, all of which we are taking very seriously,” she said.
“Work to address them has already commenced.”
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said hospitals were being put under the microscope to drive up standards.
“The inspectors highlighted a number of positives at the Gilbert Bain, but also found areas where more could be done,” she said.
“NHS Shetland has put in place an action plan to address these and I expect them to make swift progress in implementing this.”
Shetland MSP Tavish Scott said: “Staff at Gilbert Bain deserve praise for what is a largely positive report.
“Given the heightened awareness about hospital infections, I am pleased that NHS Shetland is responding quickly to concerns about dust and a lack of clinical waste bins.”