Operating theatres at two North Yorkshire hospitals have been closed because of a 'significant' ventilation problem, according to reports.
The ventilation systems at the theatres in Malton and Whitby Hospitals were found to be 'performing below the required standards' following an annual check. Health officials have now decided both theatres will be closed from Monday.
In a statement, Mike Proctor, the chief executive of Scarborough and North East Yorkshire Healthcare NHS Trust, told the BBC that it had been agreed that the use of the theatres would be suspended.
He said: 'This is a precautionary measure based on the need to preserve high standards of patient safety. We are reviewing those patients who are due to have their procedures in the coming days, and will weigh the balance of risk as to whether rescheduling their procedure is a greater risk to them than allowing it to take place. To bring these theatres up to standard will require significant investment.'
Patients who had surgery planned at Malton and Whitby Hospitals are having their operations rearranged.
