Ibiza's Can Misses hospital shuts operating theatres due to swarm of flies

Can Misses hospital had to cancel 36 planned operations yesterday and another 20 due to take place this morning, said medical director Dr Pedro Fernández and hospital manager Dr José Balanzat, because the entire surgery wing in Block D of the first floor had been sealed off.

One of the eight theatres was isolated and sterilised in case any life-threatening cases which needed immediate surgery came in.

If one theatre is not enough, Can Misses will arrange for emergencies to be air-lifted to Mallorca's Son Llátzer and Son Espases hospitals until the operating rooms can reopen.

Dr Balanzat reported that a 'multitude of insects' – house flies – had been found in the operating theatre area on Thursday morning, 'especially in the corridors'.

He said they 'must have appeared overnight' and that the team are trying to work out where the nest is coming from.

Once this is located and dealt with, they will carry out micro-biology analyses on the whole of Block D, then reopen the theatres 48 hours later.

This means it is likely no non-emergency operations will take place before Monday.

Those cancelled while the theatres are shut will be rescheduled for the following week.