SERVICES have returned to normal at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley following a water quality problem.
All elective surgery was cancelled on Thursday and emergency patients were being diverted after the hospital was affected by discoloured water.
A total of 84 operations were cancelled on Thursday and Friday which are now being being re-scheduled.
Scottish Water said the discoloured water appeared to have built up in the hospital’s internal storage tanks, caused by naturally-occurring manganese.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said the hospital’s water tanks had been cleaned out continuously with clean water supplied from water tankers, drafted in by Scottish Water.
Tankers will continue to supply tap water to the hospital over the weekend and bottled water will continue to be supplied to patients and staff for drinking.
The board said it will be able to switch back to the mains supply on Monday.
Linda de Caestecker, NHSGGC Director of Public health said: “We wish to thank our staff and patients for their patience and understanding over the last few days.
“Patient and public safety has been central to all our activities during this water quality issue.
“Once we are satisfied that the mains supply meets the requirements of ourselves and Scottish Water we will reconnect and lift the current tap water drinking restrictions.”
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We have been working very closely with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
“We have carried out extensive flushing of the hospital’s internal water network, cleaned the internal tanks and carried out extensive sampling and analysis.
“As the hospital returns to normal working, we will continue to monitor the situation going forward, working alongside the health board.”
Scottish Water said discoloured water has been an occasional, seasonal issue affecting some residents in Renfrewshire.
It is carrying out a £16m upgrade of the Muirdykes Water Treatment Works, which serves areas such as Johnstone, Linwood, Howwood, Elderslie and parts of Paisley.
Were you affected? Call our health reporter Caroline Wilson on 0141 302 6535 or email caroline.wilson@eveningtimes.co.uk
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