Expectant mums to share rooms as Wellington Regional Hospital copper pipes replaced

Some of Wellington Regional Hospital’s birthing rooms will close temporarily for plumbing. Women being induced will share rooms, limiting overnight partner stays, until labour begins. Health NZ aims to minimise disruption and says the work will not affect the safety of those giving birth.

Some birthing rooms at Wellington Regional Hospital will be temporarily closed to replace leaking copper pipes, meaning women having their labour induced will have to share a room. The Herald has seen a copy of a letter from Health NZ Te Whatu Ora to expectant mums in the region stating copper pipes in every sink and shower in the hospital’s maternity department need to be replaced. About 20km of copper pipes in the main hospital building started springing leaks soon after it opened in 2009 .



Mass disruptions and court cases have ensued. The latest plumbing work will disrupt the birthing suite and maternity ward over the next year, the letter warned..