And commenting on the report, health secretary Nicola Sturgeon also ignores the deaths.

The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate’s report highlighted a range of good practice, including the high numbers of staff undertaking the Cleanliness Champions Programme and the availability of specific funding for minor repairs.

The inspectors commended NHS Tayside for its practice of ensuring all cases of C.diff are reviewed to ensure the appropriate use of antibiotics.

However, the report also called for a number of improvements, including using doors on patient bed bays, a review of risk assessment for additional cleaning during maintenance work and consideration of the need for a reduction in bed numbers.

NHS Tayside has already put in place an action plan to address the issues raised.

Six wards were scrutinised as part of the inspection process, including Ward 31, the ward at the centre of the C.diff outbreak.

The infection was directly blamed for two of the deaths on the ward and was a contributory factor in the deaths of three others, which occurred between October 19 and November 6.

NHS Tayside closed the ward to new admissions until the ward was free of infection.

Ms Sturgeon said, “It’s vital that people have confidence that, if they need to go to hospital, they will be treated in a high quality, clean environment.

“The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate has been established to ensure these high standards are being achieved in hospitals throughout Scotland.

“The rigorous inspection process has revealed that Tayside residents are well served by Ninewells Hospital, though there is room for improvement. NHS Tayside has already put in place an action plan to address the issues raised.

“Ward 31 was in the midst of dealing with a C.diff outbreak at the time of the inspection and I am sure this report will help NHS Tayside ensure that every possible lesson is learned.

“Tackling infections like C.diff remains my top priority and scrupulous hygiene standards are crucial when it comes to stopping the spread of bugs.

“The work of the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate is helping to drive up cleanliness levels in hospitals throughout Scotland, which is a welcome development and should offer reassurance to both patients and their families.”

The inspectorate is part of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland, the body responsible for driving up standards.

Sandy Watson, chairman of NHS Tayside, said, “We are extremely pleased that, in their report, the inspection team found many areas of good practice, singling them out for special commendation.

“We are also very encouraged that the HEI Chief Inspector commented on the good standard of overall cleanliness in the hospital.

“This is confirmation of the commitment and hard work of all staff, from our domestic assistants, to nursing staff, estates staff and many other individuals working across Ninewells.

“The inspection team also made a number of recommendations for improvement . . . and we have developed an action plan which builds on improvements already put in place.”