Inspectors have reported 15 areas in need of improvement in elderly care at Ninewells Hospital after an announced visit in June.

The Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) report also found seven areas of good practice and said the majority of patients were happy with their care.

The assessments of the risks to elderly patients being admitted to hospital were not always fully carried out, it found.

Meanwhile, it recommended assessments of cognition and nutritional states, as well as the risk of falls of developing pressure ulcers, should be carried out for all older patients.

Most of the improvements were around record keeping.

One patient was found to have been admitted with dehydration and confusion but did not have goals for fluid intake or cognitive impairment recorded in an assessment.

The report said: "NHS Tayside identifies risks and care needs on a shift-by-shift basis using a traffic light system: red amber and green.

"This was not always consistently or accurately completed for every shift to reflect the needs of the patient.

"During our inspection we had concerns about one patient's care. This was raised with senior management and immediate and comprehensive action was taken."

Inspectors spoke to patients and staff during the unannounced visit to nine wards and departments in Ninewells on June 7 to 9.

They found evidence that all patients were being treated with dignity and respect and that interactions observed between patients and staff were positive and caring.

It also highlighted good practice in signage to aid people with dementia, including day and date clocks in all rooms and bays.

Patient feedback was that staff were friendly, approachable and quick to respond to their needs.

NHS Tayside said it is already addressing the areas for improvement highlighted in the report through a Tayside-wide plan.

Nurse director Gillian Costello said: "We welcome this report from Healthcare Improvement Scotland about the care of older people within Ninewells Hospital.

"We acknowledge the observations noted by the inspectors during their visit and have areas of practice to improve that will further enhance the safety and effectiveness of care we deliver for all patients and their families.

"We will establish this improvement work through our Older People Board, which consists of a senior leadership team with clinicians, nurses, doctors, allied health professionals and managers who care for older people."

NHS Tayside chairman Professor John Connell said: "I am very pleased that the hard work and dedication of many staff in providing safe, effective and compassionate care for older people in Tayside is recognised in this report.

"Where areas have been identified for improvement, we have already taken steps to ensure that the standards of care delivered meet the highest standards, and patients and their families can take confidence from this report."