Water leak at CWM Hospital antenatal clinic fixed, investigation ordered

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has confirmed that a water leak reported at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) Antenatal Clinic has been repaired, with the facility now safe and fully operational.

The leak was identified yesterday prompting an immediate response from the ministry and CWM Hospital management.

The hospital’s maintenance team, under the direction of the Medical Superintendent, carried out an assessment and traced the source to an old drainage pipe.

The ministry said the pipe had been sealed off during earlier renovations to the maternity washrooms undertaken by an interest group. Over time, the seal loosened, resulting in the water leakage.

Repairs have since been completed, and the antenatal clinic area has been thoroughly cleaned and restored to allow services to continue.

Criticism raised on social media

Concerns about the condition of the CWM Antenatal Clinic were earlier raised publicly by International Women’s Association president Judy Compain, who described the situation as a “patient safety crisis” in a social media post.

Ms Compain said she visited the clinic last Friday, December 12, while inspecting work at the CWM Hospital Children's Ward, and observed what she described as a major water leak in the examination rooms.

She said buckets, sheets and ladders had been placed around the area to manage water leaking from the ceiling.

“This is an antenatal clinic for pregnant women, not a construction site,” she said.

Ms Compain said she contacted hospital maintenance staff at the time and was told the issue would be followed up. However, she claimed that as of yesterday morning, the leak remained unresolved.

She questioned where pregnant women were expected to receive care if examination rooms were unsafe, and said the situation was frustrating for both doctors and nurses.

Minister orders probe

In response to the incident, Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu has directed two immediate actions.

These include a detailed investigation to verify the initial findings and determine any long-term remediation required, and a temporary pause on any future renovation work by the contractors involved in the washroom project, pending the outcome of the investigation.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to patient safety and the continued improvement of health infrastructure.

It thanked the public and partners for their vigilance and assured expectant mothers that the CWM Antenatal Clinic remains fully functional and dedicated to their care.

The ministry also apologised for any inconvenience caused to patients and staff.