Health in Moray:- Elected surgery still postponed at Dr Gray's

All non-emergency operations at Dr Gray's Hospital are still being postponed – and this situation will continue for several more days.

This problems began a week last Wednesday when a drainage pipe became dislodged and started to leak.

Three of the Elgin's hospital four operating theatres were originally forced to close.

However, a second was able to open again today thanks to an ongoing clear-up.

The hospital's birthing pool is also available once more now.

Setting out the situation as it stood yesterday afternoon, an NHS spokesperson said: "Initial assessments and plans to address the damage to equipment and infrastructure have been completed.

"Pipe work has been fixed and plans to modernise the plumbing system are under way.

"Industrial level cleaning has been done and further deep cleaning of rooms and equipment is ongoing.

"Ventilation has been checked, IT systems are being brought back online and infection control and prevention remains a priority.

"Further essential examination of air quality is required before all theatres can be reopened and this will take a number more days to complete."

The spokesperson continued: "All elective surgery remains postponed for this week.

"Business continuity arrangements are being adjusted for emergency surgery, with one operating theatre available and a second to come back into use today."

The NHS spokesperson also stated that anyone who is affected will be contacted.

Alasdair Pattinson, the hospital's general manager, said: "What’s most important is that we continue to put the safety of our staff and patients first, and we are making good progress in getting everything back up and running as soon as we can.

"The disruption has clearly generated significant inconvenience for patients, relatives, and staff alike.

"I would like to extend my apologies once again to everyone whose treatment has been postponed or provided in a health care setting elsewhere.

"Thank you to my whole team here at Dr Gray’s as well as everyone who’s supporting us from across NHS Grampian.

"It is very much a team effort and the hours, the commitment put in doesn’t go unnoticed."

NHS Grampian is reminding visitors, patients, and staff that wet wipes and paper towels should never be flushed down the toilet.