As a result of the extremely heavy rain on Thursday afternoon a large amount of contaminated water has flooded the ground floor of the Ironstone Centre on West Street, Scunthorpe.

Staff at the centre worked hard overnight and the majority of the water has now been removed. However, until there has been a thorough deep clean of the premises and a full evaluation of both the damage caused and the infection control risks the building, which was officially opened by Sir Ian Botham in March this year, cannot reopen.

Az Modak, Building Manager for the Ironstone Centre explained “We apologise for the inconvenience this causes everyone who use the services in the Ironstone Centre however our first priority is to ensure the building is safe to use.

 “All services are contacting patients who have appointments booked for today (Friday). However if people do need to access services within the Ironstone Centre they should contact the relevant service directly.”

After yesterdays downpours the volume of water was too over powering for the nearby drains to cope with resulting in the deluge flooding the centre. Lift shafts were being pumped out and the mop up operation began.

Caroline Briggs, Director of Strategy and Joint Commissioning for NHS North Lincolnshire added “NHS staff are working very hard to reopen the building, however obviously with the continuing rain there is a risk of further flooding throughout today and in to the weekend. Therefore we will be making further decisions throughout the day as to when the building will reopen.

She continues, “We are currently looking at whether we can temporarily rehouse services including the 8-8 Centre in other locations.