Hospital operations cancelled due to water supply problems
Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley forced to postpone elective surgery for 84 patients
Dozens of operations at Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in Paisley have been postponed due to a problem with the water supply.
Elective surgery for 84 patients on Thursday and Friday has been postponed while emergency patients are being diverted to other hospitals, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) said.
Discoloured water was noticed coming from taps at the Renfrewshire hospital earlier this week.
It is thought a build-up of sediment in water tanks caused the problem, with Scottish Water working to flush the hospital's systems.
The health board said staff are using bottled water, hygiene wipes and gel to maintain infection control measures.
Dr Linda de Caestecker, director of public health, said: "I want to reassure existing patients in the RAH that they are safe and we have ensured the highest standards of infection control and patient care.
"Patient safety is our priority and our staff will continue to deliver the highest levels of care despite the challenges they face."
NHSGGC said it will "work round the clock" with Scottish Water to ensure the hospital is fully operational again as soon as possible.
Scottish Water said water "no longer appears to be discoloured" but more sampling is being carried out.
The cause of the discoloured water is believed to be naturally-occurring manganese.
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water's chief operating officer, said: "The water which is entering the hospital from our network no longer appears to be discoloured, and in the meantime we are aware that the hospital is taking some precautionary steps.
"Further sampling is being carried out. We will continue to liaise with, and assist the health board, to return their internal hospital water tanks to normal as a matter of urgency.
"The cause of this discoloured water is believed to be naturally-occurring manganese which, in the quantities commonly found in drinking water, is harmless.
"The appearance of such discoloured water has been an occasional, seasonal issue in recent years in parts of Renfrewshire. To address this, we are carrying out a £16 million upgrade of the Muirdykes Water Treatment Works, which will help tackle the issue of discoloured water caused by naturally-occurring manganese in the area. This is due to be completed in 2017.
"In the meantime, we will shortly be commencing a programme to flush water mains and help address the issue."