The water in Auckland Hospital's main building was shut off overnight from 6pm on Wednesday as contractors repaired a burst pipe. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
A patient says she was flabbergasted to discover there was no running water during her stay at Auckland Hospital.
Hot and cold water to the hospital's main building was shut off overnight on Wednesday while a burst pipe was repaired.
A patient told RNZ her ward had no running water on Wednesday morning and staff could not tell her what was going on.
"I went to re-fill my water jug and there was no water.
"People were wandering around the ward looking for water.
"I went from station to station and said to one of the hospital staff, 'I can't get any water' and they said 'We don't have any running water here'."
She said she went back to bed and was given bottled water an hour later when she needed to take medication.
"Then I was discharged which seemed like great timing seeing the hospital ward didn't have running water which is a basic necessity.
"It was so bizarre to be in Auckland Hospital and have no water to drink.
"I'm flabbergasted. This is just third world country."
The patient said she had lost faith in the hospital system due to frequent issues and delays during her treatment.
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