More Aberdeen operations cancelled after surgical instrument cleaning fault

More than 200 procedures have now been postponed at Aberdeen’s hospitals after an unknown substance, thought to be linked to a faulty piece of equipment, was found on surgical instruments.

The central decontamination unit at Foresterhill – which sterilises and prepares the tools – was shut down on Friday.

NHS Grampian said 120 elective surgeries and 100 dental procedures have since been postponed, and the unit would not be fully operational for several weeks.

It apologised to patients, and said it was being supported by other Scottish health boards who were helping to sterilise instruments in the meantime.

NHS Grampian said work was continuing to identify the source of the substance, but it was thought to be related to a faulty compressor.

The health board said shutting down the unit meant there were not enough sterile instruments available for all theatre procedures.

It said as a result, it was focusing on emergency operations, C-sections and cancer care.

Paul Bachoo, acute medical director for NHS Grampian, said: “Regrettably, some elective procedures have been postponed.

“We apologise to these patients and their families, recognising the impact that this will have on those affected, many of whom will already have experienced longer waits than we would like for their surgery.

“If you are booked in and you do not hear from us, please assume your surgery is going ahead as planned.”

He added: “We are very grateful to health boards across Scotland for their immediate and positive response in offering the opportunity to use their facilities.”