Higher standards of cleanliness are being called for

Frontline Scotland found examples of what it says is appalling hygiene on hospital floors, beds, showers and toilets.

Researchers used secret filming and off-camera interviews with whistle-blowing staff to prove the dirty state of Scotland's hospitals.

The programme claimed that cleaning staff employed by private contractors have poor training, low wages and a high turnover.

We have a group looking at the cleaning specifications so we have clear national standards and hospitals are cleaned in the same way and for the first time inspected as well Malcolm Chisholm, Health minister

It also found that medical staff did not wash their hands as often as they should, especially when dealing with emergencies.

Doctors were also accused with over-using antibiotics to fight infections.

As a result, superbugs were becoming resistant to the drugs and killing patients.

The programme concluded that more frequent housekeeping and higher standards of cleanliness would save the health service money, and be more effective in making hospitals safer.

Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm said the issue was being worked on.

"We have a group looking at the cleaning specifications so we have clear national standards and hospitals are cleaned in the same way and for the first time inspected as well."

Frontline Scotland is screened at 2235 BST on Tuesday 3 June on BBC One Scotland.