Surgeries suspended following 'leak' from hospital drainage pipe

Elective procedures at Dr Gray's have been postponed while a clean-up operation gets under way.

Elective surgeries at Elgin Dr Gray’s hospital suspended over ‘leak’ from drainage pipe — Dr Gray's: Elective procedures at the hospital in Elgin have been postponed. iStock

12th Aug 2022

Elective procedures at a hospital in Moray have been postponed after a leak from a drainage pipe at the facility.

Medics at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin said the birthing pool and three of the four operating theatres were out of commission for the time being after a tube became dislodged on Wednesday.

NHS Grampian revealed the fault had been rectified, but surgeries would remain temporarily halted while a clean-up operation took place.

The showers and toilets in ward three, where the birthing pool is located, have also been affected by the leak.

The health board said the option for low risk births to take place would continue to be offered while the repairs were ongoing.

Professor Duff Bruce, consultant surgeon and clinical director for surgical services at Dr Gray’s, 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.”