An investigation of all pipes in the new development in James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin, will be undertaken next week following a leakage of sewage from toilets at the weekend which has lead to the closure of a 15-bed ward.
The seepage occurred last Sunday in a room adjoining the ward which is used as a step-down facility for patients recovering from heart ailments. The patients were moved to another ward, a spokeswoman for the Northern Area Health Board said. "There was never any question of any risk to patients or staff."
This is the fourth such leak since September, and hospital management has been in touch with the developer of the new section of the hospital. The developer will examine all pipes in the new development next week, the spokeswoman said.
A spokeswoman for the Irish Nurses' Organisation, Ms Mary Fogarty, said staff were not willing to go back into the ward until the matter was resolved.
"Having to move out of the ward for the fourth time because sewage is coming out of the ceiling is ridiculous."