Theatre work under way at Inverness
Work is currently ongoing to upgrade the theatre complex within Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
AN NHS Scotland spokesman confirmed that unforeseeable issues in the existing structure had necessitated the cancellation of all planned operations.
"An inspection carried out by structural engineers confirmed there are no structural issues, but concerns have been highlighted relating to superficial cracks on some of the theatre walls within the main theatre complex.
"As a result, the clinical decision was made to stop all operations within the theatre complex until further notice.
"Contingency measures have been implemented to ensure all emergency operations will continue as normal but out-with the affected theatre area."
All theatres in the main theatre complex have been assessed and work is underway to have them fully operational as soon as possible. Work already completed shows that the ventilation system is working to the required standard.
Air sampling and microbial testing has been carried out and will ongoing as each stage of the work is complete and prior to commencing operations in the affected area.
Mr Ron Coggins, clinical director for the surgical division at Raigmore Hospital, said: "It was not possible to foresee this complication, but I am reassured that we do have a plan in place to get our theatres operational as soon as possible.
"The clinical team have also started to look at our patient lists to prioritise the work that we need to do once our theatres are operational.
"We are examining all theatre capacity across all sites in Highland and are also in discussions with NHS Grampian and others to see how they may assist.
"We are truly sorry for the disruption and concerns this will have on our patients across Highland. I would like to assure patients and the public that senior clinicians will be prioritising all cancer and other urgent patients. I am also content with the plan we have in place to manage all emergency patients."
He added: "At this stage I can’t say with certainty how long these theatres will be out of use but it will certainly be this week and also into next week."
David Park, chief officer for NHS Highland and responsible for overseeing all health and social care including hospitals in North Highland, said: "All teams within Raigmore Hospital are working very closely to resolve this situation and our teams across Highland are in close contact and looking at ways in which the impact to patients is minimised."
