PLANS to start surgery in the operating theatres in Hereford's new hospital have been delayed.

Final tests before the four theatres were handed over revealed technical problems in two of them.

Staff had planned to move into the theatres last weekend and the first operations should have taken place yesterday.

But when the independent hand-over tests were done late on Friday the quality of air flow into two of them did not meet the high standards required.

The chief executive of Hereford Hospitals Trust, Jeremy Millar said previous tests had indicated that all was well.

Mr Millar said the problems were not serious, it would be a question of adjusting or 'tweaking' the system.

Safety checks

But there was no alternative to postponing using the operating suite.

"It could not be allowed to be opened if there was any question mark over it,'' he said.

The only consolation was that safety checks did work to ensure that everything was in excellent order before being used.

Mr Millar said theatre staff at the County Hospital were very disappointed at the delay.

Many had altered their private weekend arrangements to be at the hospital to prepare for surgery there this week.

Mr Millar said more tests in the theatres were being carried out early this week. If given the all clear it could be two or three weeks before surgery could start. The theatres would have to be re-cleaned and staff given time to get reorganised.