Concerns Raised Over Water Supply at Altnagelvin Hospital
Concerns have emerged regarding the water supply at Londonderry's largest hospital, Altnagelvin Hospital, where staff have reportedly been distributing bottled water within the wards.
The Western Health Trust, responsible for managing the hospital, confirmed it is "actively responding to an incident that affected the water supply at Altnagelvin Hospital."
It is believed that a burst pipe may have caused discolouration in the mains water supply.
A spokesperson for the Trust stated,
"The health and safety of patients, visitors and staff remains our key priority and alternative arrangements are in place in all areas to support safe service delivery."
Patient Account of Water Supply Concerns
A patient currently receiving treatment at Altnagelvin Hospital shared with NI that a nurse advised against drinking water from the hospital's supply.
"They give you a pitcher of water in the morning and a glass. They came around a couple of hours ago and took it away," the patient said.
"The nurse said: 'You can't drink it, there's something wrong with it'.
"She didn't seem panicked but she emphasised do not be drinking that.
"She took away the glass and the pitcher. She said we're in the process of bringing in bottled water."
The patient added that a nurse later provided him with a half litre of bottled water.
Trust and NI Water Response
In a statement to NI, the Western Health Trust spokesperson indicated ongoing collaboration with NI Water to resolve the issue, noting that NI Water is prioritising the water supply to the hospital.
"We are continuing to work with our colleagues in NI Water who are working to resolve the issue and are prioritising the supply to the Altnagelvin Hospital site."
NI Water has been contacted for a response regarding the incident.
