A new study detailing the condition of health service assets and facilities in Scotland found that investment is required in two-fifths of the overall NHS estate.

It also disclosed that 59 per cent of buildings are described as being in good physical condition, down from 67 per cent in 2013.

A total of 37 per cent of properties need money spent in order to improve them, while 4 per cent of the NHS estate is said to be in an unsatisfactory condition, with major investment required.

Almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of NHS property is “functionally suitable for its current use”, the 2014 report found, but 30 per cent needs investment, with a further 5 per cent requiring a significant level of investment.

The Annual State of NHS Scotland Assets and Facilities Report for 2014 revealed there is a maintenance backlog of £797m, a decrease of £61m on the previous year’s total.

Ten hospitals account for £292m of the backlog, with £44m of work required at Inverclyde Royal Hospital in Greenock.

The Scottish Government is investing £2.75bn in NHS equipment and buildings over the next five years.

This will make a “significant contribution to improvements in the condition and performance of these assets”, the report said.

The sale of older properties over the same period could also raise approximately £200m.

Almost half the money being invested will fund major projects in the NHS, with £1.3bn earmarked for this over the period.