Health watchdogs found blood and dust in a hospital operating theatre just months after a horrific catalogue of failings were revealed in a report.
NHS Grampian was told to clean up its act at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital after inspections last summer and autumn.
Although improvements have been made, a new Health Improvement Scotland report has highlighted ongoing concerns about cleanliness in the hospital’s operating theatres.
Spots of blood were found on a floor and equipment, as well as dust in high areas, during an unannounced follow-up visit by the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) in March. Inspectors also found “clean items” stored in a “dirty” area and raised concerns about contaminated instrument trays and sterile packs.
NHS Grampian has now been ordered to ensure that patient equipment and the theatre environment is clean, and to improve the way it stores equipment, to ensure it is clean and safe to use.
Inspectors also reported an incident to the Health and Safety Executive after a porter, who was not wearing protective clothing, was exposed to blood leaking from a clinical waste bag.
HEI chief inspector Susan Brimelow said: “The purpose of this inspection was to assess the progress made by Aberdeen Maternity Hospital towards addressing the requirements made following our previous inspection in 2013.
“However, while we found good progress and improvements since our last inspection, we did identify areas where further action is required, to ensure standards continue to improve and are maintained.
“In particular, these relate to the theatre department within the hospital.
“This follow-up inspection resulted in three requirements and two recommendations which NHS Grampian must address within one month.
“We will follow up these concerns at future inspections to ensure all requirements are implemented and that improvements are sustained.”
Yesterday, NHS Grampian medical director Dr Roelf Dijkhuizen said: “At the time of the (March) visit, refurbishment work was going on in one of our two theatres. That work has been completed and equipment is now more appropriately stored.”