Urine found in water cooler at N.L. hospital
QMI Agency
First posted: Tuesday, December 09, 2014 03:48 PM EST | Updated: Tuesday, December 09, 2014 04:59 PM EST
Officials at a Newfoundland hospital are investigating after urine was found in a water cooler in what is believed to be a deliberate act of mischief.
An unknown substance was deposited in the tower of a cooler at the outpatient clinic at St. Clare's Mercy Hospital in St. John's last Wednesday and was later confirmed to be urine, Eastern Health said in a news release Tuesday.
The third-floor cooler is in a staff area, but is sometimes used to provide water to patients.
The supplier of the cooler told Eastern Health the unit is designed with two safeguards to prevent liquid spilled in the tower from contaminating the dispenser, which Eastern Health confirmed using dye tests.
A sample of the urine sent to the microbiology lab was found not to contain anything "unusual or harmful."
"On behalf of Eastern Health, I am saddened to report what appears to be a deliberate act of disrespect against our employees and patients," Eastern Health president and CEO David Diamond said in a news release, adding officials are "investigating thoroughly."
Medical Officer of Health David Allison said even in the "highly unlikely" event that traces of the urine reached the water supply, the health risk would be "miniscule, if any."
Urine found in water cooler at N.L. hospital | Canada | News | Toronto Sun
QMI Agency
First posted: Tuesday, December 09, 2014 03:48 PM EST | Updated: Tuesday, December 09, 2014 04:59 PM EST
Officials at a Newfoundland hospital are investigating after urine was found in a water cooler in what is believed to be a deliberate act of mischief.
An unknown substance was deposited in the tower of a cooler at the outpatient clinic at St. Clare's Mercy Hospital in St. John's last Wednesday and was later confirmed to be urine, Eastern Health said in a news release Tuesday.
The third-floor cooler is in a staff area, but is sometimes used to provide water to patients.
The supplier of the cooler told Eastern Health the unit is designed with two safeguards to prevent liquid spilled in the tower from contaminating the dispenser, which Eastern Health confirmed using dye tests.
A sample of the urine sent to the microbiology lab was found not to contain anything "unusual or harmful."
"On behalf of Eastern Health, I am saddened to report what appears to be a deliberate act of disrespect against our employees and patients," Eastern Health president and CEO David Diamond said in a news release, adding officials are "investigating thoroughly."
Medical Officer of Health David Allison said even in the "highly unlikely" event that traces of the urine reached the water supply, the health risk would be "miniscule, if any."
Urine found in water cooler at N.L. hospital | Canada | News | Toronto Sun