The hospital declared a critical incident four weeks ago following extensive leaks at the hospital.

Repair works revealed rotten battens in much of the roof of the hospital, which was constructed 40 years ago.

Chief executive Paul Mears said that the original roof design did not provide for adequate ventilation which led to the wooden roof battens, which support the concrete roof tiles, rotting.

Leaks are having a significant impact on services with eight theatres and two endoscopy suites being closed, impacting 80 surgical procedures per week.