Leak postpones operation at hospital

A six-hour operation at Christchurch Hospital was disrupted on Sunday after sewage water started dripping from the ceiling.

Staff said the contaminated water had "gushed" from the light fittings and nearly fallen onto nearby sterilised instruments, The Press reported. Christchurch Hospital general manager Mark Leggett said it appeared a blocked toilet on the floor above the operating room had caused the problem.

Christchurch Hospital operations manager Ruth Barclay said the incident had happened in one of the newest parts of the hospital.

Appropriate action was taken to ensure patient safety, she said.