Emergency department flooded by sprinkler

North Shore Hospital had to relocate 20 patients after a fire sprinkler was set off by a cleaner. Photo / File

North Shore Hospital relocated 20 patients yesterday following a flood in their emergency department.

Water began to pour down in the ED around 11am when a sprinkler's head was inadvertently knocked by a cleaner during routine cleaning of the ceiling.

A Waitemata District Health Board spokeswoman said the bumping of the sprinkler caused the head to start releasing water, resulting in a minor flood.

The sprinkler was in a contained area and around 20 patients were immediately relocated to adjoining areas.

Takapuna Fire Service spokesman Shaun Pilgrim said the fire service responded within minutes to shut down the system and clean up the mess.

It took just over an hour to get rid of the water.

Shore Care Accident and Medical Centre, which sits opposite the hospital, was notified of the flooding.

A Shore Care spokeswoman said they were warned by North Shore Hospital that they could have a few patients heading their way.

She said Shore Care shared a good relationship with the hospital.

"We're here to support them and we hope they'd do the same for us."

A doctor was called in early to help attend to the patients who arrived from the ED.

Shore Care couldn't disclose the seriousness of patients' medical conditions they saw from the ED due to privacy issues.

The ED was up and running again by 1.30pm.

Waitemata DHB reported that damage to the ED was minimal and there would be no disciplinary action taken.