A WARD at the Royal Alexandra Hospital – where dementia patients are cared for – has come under criticism for dismal decor and neglected rooms.

Watchdogs have warned management at the Paisley hospital to address issues they found while carrying out an unannounced inspection earlier this year.

Ward 37 – a short stay 20-bed ward providing psychiatric care for people with dementia – was found to have a number of aesthetic shortcomings.

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A report from Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland described an “odour of urine in several rooms”, before adding: “The ward offers communal areas for patients, however the decor was dismal.

“Patients’ bedrooms, dining room and sitting rooms appear to have been particularly neglected.”

The report continued: “There are no pictures or artwork anywhere within the ward which had the effect of making the ward look desolate and lacking in any warmth.

“We saw curtains around bed areas which were either missing or needing re-hung. We were advised by staff this had not been attended to by the estates department, despite having being reported.

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"The ward’s garden, which on previous visits was a pleasant well used area, looked neglected."

An NHSGGC spokesperson said: “We welcome the report from the Mental Welfare Commission and know that there are areas for improvement as noted by the inspectors.

“Immediate action has been taken to improve the ward and make it a more pleasant and welcoming environment."