KEY POINTS:
A sewage leak at Palmerston North Hospital has forced the indefinite closure of its outpatient centre.
The clinics were evacuated today after a blockage caused a leak between the first and ground floors of the main hospital block, with waste water spilling through ceilings.
Patients and staff in the affected areas had to shower and wash their clothes, and visitors were restricted while the leak was located and mended.
Group manager commercial support Jeff Small said a blockage in one of the sewer pipes had caused a "significant" overflow.
He said a pair of scissors, a knife and an incontinence sheet had piled up together and blocked the pipe.
The objects had been removed, and the hospital has returned to full use of services such as toilets and hand basins.
"I'd like to stress that water and sewerage facilities are all functioning as normal throughout the hospital.
However, the outpatient clinics remained closed due to contamination.
The areas needed to be thoroughly cleaned, as did all equipment in the affected rooms.
The clinics would remain closed for the rest of the week, and an assessment would be made on Monday.
While some affected clinics have been moved to other areas of the hospital, a number have had to be postponed.
Affected patients had been contacted today, but any unsure about their appointments should call 0800 800 745.
General manager Lareen Cooper said she appreciated the understanding of the public that were onsite today and apologised for any inconvenience caused.
- NZPA
