Birthing pool closed and elective surgeries cancelled after drainage leak at Dr Gray's
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A DISLODGED drainage pipe has led to the cancellation of elective surgeries and the closure of the birthing pool at Dr Gray's Hospital.
A pipe was dislodged at the Elgin hospital on Wednesday afternoon, with the leak affecting three of four operating theatres.
The pipe has been fixed and a clean up and full assessment of the damage caused is under way. However, all elective surgery has been cancelled for the time being.
Colleagues at Dr Gray's are working with teams across NHS Grampian to ensure there are arrangements remain in place for emergency surgery.
While the birthing pool in Ward 3 is not directly affected, the toilet and shower facilities within that room are, and therefore the pool is also temporarily unavailable.
The option for low-risk births to take place at Dr Gray’s will continue to be offered.
Professor Duff Bruce, consultant surgeon and clinical director for surgical services at Dr Gray’s, apologised to those who have had surgeries cancelled.
He said: “We have one theatre safe to remain open for emergencies and we will do everything we can to get other theatre spaces up and running again as soon as possible.
"We understand this is disappointing, particularly for those whose surgery has had to be postponed, but we must put safety first.”
Dr Gray’s Hospital General Manager Alasdair Pattinson added: “We are looking at all options to ensure those awaiting treatment can receive that as quickly as possible.
"We will know more once all initial assessments are completed and will share further information next week.
"Once again, we apologise for the inconvenience and worry this may cause.”
