A hospital boss has apologised to a patient who was told to wash with toxic detergent wipes used for cleaning dirty equipment.

Staff at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow have apologised and said nursing staff would be briefed to ensure it does not happen again.

A relative of the unnamed patient, who was being treated for a broken knee and foot, took to Facebook to question the use of the wipes.

They posted: "Medicine people - are these normal to be given in a hospital to clean your face/body when you are bed bound?

"They don't seem like they are designed for skin."

The wipes are designed to "remove dirt and grime for different areas and equipment" and contain chemicals which are toxic to the skin.

A warning on the packet urges users to seek medical advice if they come into contact with the eyes.

A spokeswoman for the manufacturer said the wipes were "definitely" not for use on human skin.

MSP Annie Wells said: "Everyone knows the NHS is under strain and staff have to do their best under trying circumstances.

"But this is blatantly unacceptable.

"This practice needs to be stopped at once to ensure vulnerable people are cared for with decency and dignity."

Director of the south sector for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Anne Harkness, said: "This should never have happened and I apologise to this patient if she was provided with the wrong wipes.

"I will be reiterating to our staff the importance of checking what is being provided to patients so this does not happen again."