Hospital loo spill claim pooh-poohed

Inspection of the plumbing this morning confirmed the leak was not toilet waste. Photo / Ross Setford

Liquid leaking from pipes in the ceiling of a Wellington Hospital whanau centre is not toilet waste, management has confirmed.

Wellington Hospital management were alerted to the leak at its Mein Street Te Pehi Parata Whanau Whare yesterday.

At least one person staying at the centre said the leak was toilet waste from pipes in the ceiling.

But a further inspection of the plumbing this morning confirmed it was not toilet waste and likely to be water from one or two hand basins, a Capital and Coast District Health Board spokesman said.

Chief operating officer Chris Lowry said a plumber was immediately sent to the centre when it was made aware of the issue yesterday.

"The initial conclusion is that there is a leak from the basin or shower in the room above and it is not related to a broken pipe or toilet."

One room, which was not occupied, has been closed while work on fixing the leak was completed, Ms Lowry said.

Te Pehi Parata Whanau Whare provides temporary accommodation for family and friends of patients staying in hospital at $30 a night.