Operations have been cancelled and emergency patients are being diverted from the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley due to a water supply issue.

Staff have been told to only use bottled water after concerns were raised about the mains supply.

Doctors and nurses have been using water, hygiene wipes and gel to keep infection under control, while 84 surgery appointments have been cancelled to reduce the pressure.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has also temporarily diverted 999 patients to other hospitals within the area to reduce any "clinical risk".

Experts are closely monitoring the situation, which came to light earlier this week when staff noticed discoloured water coming out of the taps.

It is believed to stem from a build-up of sediment in the large hospital water tanks. The system is currently being flushed out.

All elective surgeries booked for Thursday and Friday have been cancelled in a bid to stem the strain.

Dr Linda de Caestecker, director of public health, said: "I want to reassure existing patients in the RAH that they are safe and we have ensured the highest standards of infection control and patient care.

"Patient safety is our priority and our staff will continue to deliver the highest levels of care, despite the challenges they face."

Robert Calderwood, NHSGGC chief executive, said staff were working closely with Scottish Water to ensure the hospital is operational again as soon as possible.

Mr Calderwood added: "The staff at the hospital deserve praise for their professionalism in caring for their patients in these trying circumstances."

Peter Farrer, Scottish Water's Chief Operating Officer, said the cause of the discolouration was likely to be caused by naturally occurring manganese.

He said: "The water which is entering the hospital from our network no longer appears to be discoloured, and in the meantime we are aware that the hospital is taking some precautionary steps.

"Further sampling is being carried out. We will continue to liaise with, and assist the health board, to return their internal hospital water tanks to normal as a matter of urgency.

"The cause of this discoloured water is believed to be naturally occurring manganese which, in the quantities commonly found in drinking water, is harmless.

"To address this, we are carrying out a £16m upgrade of the Muirdykes Water Treatment Works, which will help tackle the issue of discoloured water caused by naturally-occurring manganese in the area. This is due to be completed in 2017."