NHS Tayside is “simply not in a position” to identify a reopening time for crisis-hit Montrose Infirmary.
The infirmary and maternity unit on Bridge Street has now been closed for more than three weeks due to the failure of the heating and water systems.
That also led to a soot-like substance being blown throughout the hospital through the air filter system, which is proving difficult to remove.
Yesterday’s statement came as fears continue to grow over its long-term future, with a Facebook page already having been set up to save the maternity unit in the wake of the concerns.
An NHS Tayside spokeswoman said: “We are unable at this time to identify a date for reopening the infirmary due to the complexities of the systems failures and the more in-depth cleaning processes which we are having to undertake.
“This is not because we do not want to or are refusing to identify a date the ongoing works and system and environmental reviews mean we are simply not in a position to identify a date at this time.
“There are currently issues with a number of systems, including the water, heating and filtration systems and therefore NHS Tayside is currently undertaking a full environmental and system review at Montrose Infirmary as a matter of urgency.
“This includes looking at things like testing the resilience of the boilers, checking the integrity of the chimney structures and identifying any remedial work and water sampling.
“We have taken samples for quality testing as it is critical to ensure there is no risk to patients or staff from the water.
“These samples will not be back from the laboratory until the week commencing Monday May 26. This will be important for us in taking decisions moving forwards.”
The spokeswoman added there is an oily substance which has settled on surfaces throughout the hospital which is “proving difficult to remove”.
Teams are undertaking deep cleaning processes which must be repeated a number of times to remove the substance which has been blown through the air filter.
Teams remain on site and are gearing up for another deep clean this weekend.
“This full environmental and system review will inform what we do next,” she added.
Montrose councillor Mark Salmond said he was unhappy it is taking so long to resolve these issues.
He said: “How long is it going to be closed for? If it’s six months or a year then that could be the death knell for the infirmary. All we want is honesty and transparency and the public want assurances that this building will reopen.”
Angus and the Mearns MSP Nigel Don has also urged NHS Tayside to “come clean” about the future of Montrose Infirmary.
Mr Don has written to chief executive Lesley McLay and Health Secretary Alex Neil to ask for clarification on the status of the maternity unit.
Since the transfer of services on April 24, there have been 11 babies whose mothers would have given birth at Montrose, born in Arbroath.