Operations at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness have been postponed once again due to a combination of dust contamination and flooding that shut down theatre lifts.
A total of seven operations were cancelled on Thursday as a result of the additional cleaning being undertaken.
Meanwhile, a burst pipe in the infirmary’s basement wreaked havoc throughout the hospital, resulting in the shutdown of three lifts.
The lifts are commonly used by surgeons being transported to theatre and were reported to have been filled with around six inches of water.
The latest disruption follows the cancellation of hundreds of operations after cracks were discovered in theatre walls and contamination was found.
An NHS Highland spokeswoman said: “We had an incident in the basement overnight involving a burst pipe which has affected the operation of three lifts within Raigmore.
“Contingency measures were put in place to mitigate the disruption until the lifts are operational again.”
It is understood that all but one is operational again.
The NHS spokeswoman added: “Following the issues we experienced last month within our theatre environment we have very strict control measures in place to identify any contamination at the earliest opportunity.
“We identified the need for additional cleaning before theatres started. Unfortunately seven procedures had to be postponed.”
Local councillor Ian Brown said the disruption was “very disappointing”.
“It’s obviously not what Raigmore had planned but I do now think we have this under control and believe there shouldn’t be a repeat.
“The hospital is also disappointed and has apologised to all those who have found themselves on a lengthening waiting list.
“It’s not obviously the professional way the hospital wants to work and should work, but when you have major construction going on while a hospital remains open, something is going to happen.”
The latest incidents occurred just a day after North MSP Edward Mountain raised concerns surrounding the state of Scotland’s operating theatres.
Mr Mountain said: “NHS Highland have responded very quickly.
“I am, however, disappointed that the Cabinet Minister for Health hasn’t responded to my questions of how many hospitals in Scotland may have the same design as the ones at Raigmore that are experiencing the problems.
“I believe all operating theatres in Scotland should meet hygiene standards.”
