Water leak disrupts surgeries at Stornoway hospital

Some surgeries at the largest hospital in the Hebrides have been postponed due to a water leak.

NHS Western Isles said supply at Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway had to be switched off as a result of a "water escape" in a part of the site.

The health board said Thursday's theatre list was postponed, with the exception of some procedures.

The source of the problem has since been found and following repairs the supply has been turned on again.

Drinking water was still available during the fault and mobile sinks were made available.

NHS Western Isles said: "Sincere thanks to all staff who managed this incident promptly and effectively to ensure that the situation was resolved as quickly as possible."

Last month, elevated levels of Legionella species contamination were discovered during work on pipes at the hospital.

The system was separate from the drinking supply, which was unaffected, and the health board said the risk of contracting Legionnaires disease was extremely low.