An unannounced hygiene inspection of Kerry General Hospital in July by the Health Information and Quality Authority identified issues that may present a serious risk to the health or welfare of patients, visitors and staff.
It found the operating theatre complex to be "dilapidated with ceilings, walls, woodwork and floors significantly damaged, worn and non-intact".
They could not be cleaned effectively and accumulated dust. HIQA says this had been recognised for many years but refurbishment works were not scheduled.
The oncology day unit presented challenges to infection control and there were no designated isolation facilities to manage patients with transmissible infection.
Kerry General reports suggested funding of €9.3 million would be needed for essential works throughout the hospital.
HIQA says that operating theatre staff voiced concerns and frustration that despite repeated identification and reporting of risks and requests for action, problems were not addressed.
The health watchdog asked the hospital to take immediate measures to mitigate the risks after the July inspection, which focused on the oncology day unit and the operating theatre complex.
