A GLASGOW hospital has been rapped for flouting hand hygiene requirements in a unit which treats patients with kidney failure.

The first inspection of the New Victoria Hospital by government watchdogs was critical of staff compliance in the renal dialysis unit.

Inspectors saw staff moving between patients, their equipment and environment and serving tea and dispensing medicine without cleaning their hands.

The hospital was given a week to improve procedures.

The report noted that shortly after the inspection on February 17 and 18 additional supplies of alcohol hand rub had been brought in and staff were being given additional training.

An audit of infection control also scored 67% in one category and there was no follow-up actions in place.

The hospital was also criticised for flouting procedures for the disposal of used linen and some of the equipment was dirty.

However the report found that staff had good knowledge of standard infection control precautions.

A poll of patients found that 92% thought the wards were always clean and 78% stated that the equipment was always clean and in good repair.

One patient said: "Cleanest hospital I’ve been in."

Inspectors made three requirements and one recommendation following this inspection.

Jacqui Macrae, Head of Quality of Care for Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: “During the inspection we found we found that the majority of wards and departments were very clean.

"We found that staff had a good knowledge of standard infection control precautions.

"However, we found issues with the standard of cleanliness and state of repair of some of the equipment in the renal dialysis unit and have issued requirements to ensure improvements.”

Margaret McGuire, Nurse Director for NHSGGC said: "Today’s report highlights a number of positive findings around infection prevention and control at the New Victoria Hospital.

“It’s encouraging that most patients were generally happy with the standard of cleaning and said that equipment was clean and in good repair.

"This is reflected in the findings that the majority of wards and departments were very clean as were non-clinical areas such as linen stores, sluices and store rooms.

“Patients confirmed they were made aware of correct hand hygiene procedures through poster displays or being informed of the importance of this during admission.

" They also commented on seeing staff washing their hands, wearing gloves and aprons before attending to them, and changing these items between patients.

“However, we are disappointed that the inspectors found some areas for improvement.

"We recognise there are areas we need to improve and are actively working with our staff to ensure that the requirements from this inspection are fully implemented.”