Aberdeen operations postponed due to contaminated instruments

Dozens of operations have been postponed at Aberdeen hospitals due to a shortage of sterile instruments.

NHS Grampian said its Central Decontamination Unit at Foresterhill in Aberdeen had to be closed after an unknown substance was found on instruments.

BBC Scotland News understands at least 40 non-emergency elective procedures were affected on Friday.

NHS Grampian is contacting other health boards for support.

A spokesperson said the unit would remain out of use until the source was identified and all equipment cleaned.

The health board is currently focusing on emergency operations, C-sections and cancer care.

The spokesperson apologised to anyone affected and assured that any cancelled surgeries would be rescheduled at the earliest opportunity.

The decontamination facility at Woodend is continuing to operate, but NHS Grampian said it could not process all the instruments required.

The spokesperson said: "Due to an ongoing issue with the Central Decontamination Unit at Foresterhill, we do not have enough sterile instruments available for all theatre procedures.

"As an organisation, we are focusing on emergency operations, caesarean sections, and cancer care. Regrettably, some elective procedures have been postponed as a result.

"We understand waits for most operations are already longer than we would like, and we realise there is a very real impact on the quality of life to many of the people waiting for procedures."

They added: "If your procedure is postponed, please be assured that we will reschedule your surgery at the earliest possible opportunity, once the situation has been resolved.

"We are in contact with other health boards to explore mutual aid and are grateful for the support we have been offered already."