Ambulance bosses have been ordered to make a raft of changes to reduce the risk of passing on infections.

The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) found the standards of ambulance cleanliness were good but said changes were needed "as a matter of priority".

Chief inspector Susan Brimelow said: "We were not assured that infection control services are fully embedded into all aspects of the Scottish Ambulance Service.

"In particular we found poor communication between the infection control team and operational staff, and that the role of the infection control manager does not comply with national guidance.

"We expect the Scottish Ambulance Service to address these requirements as a matter of priority."

The service was told it has to meet 15 requirements, such as regularly testing washing machines used for decontaminating uniforms and mop heads and reviewing its policy on staff wearing wristwatches.

HEI also said there was a need to ensure that all staff are provided with hand hygiene education and training.

A spokesman for the Scottish Ambulance Service said: "With around 900 ambulances operating from over 150 stations across Scotland, control of infection is of the highest priority across all of our operations.

"The recommendations and requirements of the report are currently being implemented and we are determined to continue to develop our practices to build on the improvements that have been achieved so far."

A Scottish Government spokesman said reducing the number of healthcare-associated infections must be achieved to give patients and the public confidence in cleanliness, and the quality and safety of services

He said: "This report identifies areas for improvement and we welcome the Scottish Ambulance Service's publication of a plan which will give the highest priority to addressing the issues highlighted."