REPAIRS at at West of Scotland hospital have been "outstanding" for several years, an inspection found.

Staff at Monklands Hospital in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, were told to cover up exposed pipework "with a dressing."

Inspectors found damaged walls and doors and exposed and damaged woodwork, which they said prevented surfaces being cleaned effectively.

Staff reported that the hospital's estate's team had been told about damaged pipe work more than a year ago.

Senior estates management acknowledged that the repairs system was "not working well" and were looking at ways to improve it.

NHS Lanarkshire was told to ensure a "robust escalation procedure" was in place to deal with repairs.

An unannounced inspection was carried by the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate in the wards and theatre department of the hospital from Wednesday March 16 to 17.

The report found that staff had good knowledge of standard infection control precautions and employees were generally complying with hand hygiene.

Of the 58 people who responded to a survey, 90% stated that ward staff always wash their hands.

Theatre department renovation works were being well managed. The inspection resulted in six requirements and two recommendations.

Calum Campbell, Chief Executive of NHS Lanarkshire said: "“Staff at Monklands Hospital work hard to provide a clean and safe environment for patients. I am pleased that the report acknowledges their efforst.

"The inspectors also highlighted some areas for improvement. We already have in place a detailed action plan to address these issues and I can give an assurance that they have already been resolved or are in the process of being completed.

"We will continually monitor progress to ensure we strive for the highest standards of cleanliness and infection control at Monklands."

Claire Sweeney, Interim Director of Quality Assurance for Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: “NHS Lanarkshire must ensure that the environment and all patient equipment is safe and clean. We have issued requirements to NHS Lanarkshire to ensure improvements are made.”