Operations cancelled after lightning damages equipment

Planned operations in Aberdeen have been cancelled in the coming days after electrical systems were damaged in a lightning strike.

NHS Grampian said both of the health board’s central decontamination units – which sterilize and prepare surgical equipment – were currently unable to operate.

It will affect procedures at Woodend Hospital and the Foresterhill site which includes Aberdeen Royal Infirmary as well as the maternity and children's hospitals.

The health authority said emergency surgery and C-sections would continue but around 20 operations planned for Wednesday would be postponed.

The health board apologised and said affected patients would be contacted as soon as possible.

The decontamination unit at Woodend hospital was damaged by a lightning strike, while the facility at Foresterhill has problems with its specialist ventilation system.

Contingency plans involving external facilities have been implemented, but this has involved increased turnaround times for sterilising instruments.

Divisional general manager Cameron Matthew said: "Unfortunately, due to a fault with our main central decontamination unit, we will have to postpone a number of surgeries, due to take place at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital and Woodend Hospital in the coming days.

"We would reassure everyone that during this period we will still be providing emergency and urgent surgery – including major trauma cases and C-sections.

"The postponements are regrettable, and I would apologise to everyone who will be affected by this."