The road outside Christchurch Hospital. Photo: Google Maps
Construction work at Christchurch Hospital is set to restart following an investigation into a toxic fumes leak that caused staff to become unwell.
It was believed an industrial chemical from painting at the nearby hospital tower block was circulated through the air conditioning last year. Workers in the radiology team suffered headaches, breathing problems and rashes. One had to be admitted to intensive care.
Pregnant women were among those affected.
Construction work at Christchurch Hospital was paused in October while an investigation was carried out into the fumes leak.
Health New Zealand Te Waipounamu deputy chief executive Martin Keogh said 121 staff in total came forward with concerns they may have been exposed to fumes.
After a comprehensive investigation, work on the third tower of the Waipapa building would restart on 14 April, he said.
"Because the root cause of the fumes issue was most likely the use of isocyanate containing paint, this paint has been replaced with an alternate product," he said.
"We have tested proposed mitigations to ensure this will mean a safe environment for staff and patients and this testing was overseen by external specialists."
Keogh said mitigations and controls introduced included moving the affected air handling system vent 60 metres from its original position and installing carbon filters to air handling vents.
Chemical monitoring equipment had also been installed within the air handling system to enable the early detection of at-risk chemicals, which would automatically shut down the system before the chemicals/fumes reached staff or patient areas, he said.
"I want to sincerely apologise to staff who have been harmed as a result of these incidents. I also want to thank our staff for their understanding, patience and support as we have navigated this complex issue. Our health monitoring programme will be ongoing while our staff need it," Keogh said.
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