Jerry Collins in 'incident' at Wellington Hospital

Jerry Collins at a press conference in 2008. Photo / NZ Herald/File photo

Former All Black Jerry Collins had to be told to leave Wellington Hospital after allegedly shouting abuse at staff while waiting for treatment for his friend.

Collins arrived at the emergency department in the early hours of last Sunday with two others, Fairfax media reported.

Witnesses said he was friendly to start off with, but then became angry while waiting for his friend to be treated.

He reportedly told nursing staff to f*** off.

Security was called over a loud speaker but when guards arrived, Collins and his friends left the building.

A Wellington Hospital spokesman confirmed the incident involving Collins.

Director of Emergency Medicine Andre Cromhout said it was disappointing that Emergency Department staff had to deal with drunk and verbally abusive patients and visitors while trying to do their job during what is often a busy and stressful situation.

"The sad reality is that this is a common occurrence in emergency departments throughout the country, which worsens over a weekend due to excess consumption of alcohol and drugs.

"While staff are here to help, Wellington Hospital has a zero tolerance towards violence, aggression or any form of abuse against staff and will not hesitate to use our security-orderly staff or to call police if required.''

New Zealand Rugby Players' Association chief executive Rob Nichol said he did not know about the incident and was unable to comment.

Collins' manager Tim Castles was unavailable for comment.