A HOSPITAL previously at the centre of a deadly superbug outbreak has been praised by inspectors over its care of elderly patients.

Inspectors from Healthcare Improvement Scotland said wards at theVale of Leven hospital in West Dunbartonshire were "calm, quiet and uncluttered" and that patients' privacy was respected by staff.

In interviews with patients during the two-day unannounced inspection in June, they found patients were generally happy with the care they had received.

The report stated: "Most patients said they were included in conversations about their treatment and that questions were answered in terms they understood. Patients also stated that staff introduced themselves and were compassionate and considerate."

However, inspectors noted some criticism from patients and visitors who complained that the food was "not very appetising" and that they would have liked more nursing staff present on the ward.

Inspectors also reported some shortcomings in relation to nutritional assessments - one did not note that a patient suffered from a swallowing problem, while another failed to note that the patient was diabetic.

This has been listed among 12 areas for improvement, along with better detection and management of delirium.

The Vale of Leven hospital was criticised last year after an inquiry into Scotland's worst clostridium difficile outbreak in 2007-8, which claimed 34 lives, found "serious failings".

Jacqui Macrae, Head of Quality of Care at HIS, said: “This inspection found evidence that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is performing well in relation to the care provided to older people at Vale of Leven Hospital.

"We saw good interactions between staff and patients, and patients were complimentary about the care and treatment they had received. We were pleased to see mealtime co-ordinators and activities co-ordinators were in place to support staff and patients.

"We found that further improvement is required in the certain areas.

"Person-centred care plans should be in place for all identified care needs and appropriate assessments should be carried out in line with the relevant standards.

"This inspection resulted in six areas of strength and 12 areas for improvement.

"NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde must address the areas for improvement we have identified as a matter of priority.”