3 hours ago
2
BBC
There are concerns over the water supply at Londonderry's biggest hospital with one patient saying staff have been distributing bottled water in wards.
The Western Health Trust, which runs the facility, confirmed it is "actively responding to an incident that affected the water supply at Altnagelvin Hospital".
It is understood that a burst pipe may have caused discolouration of the mains supply.
"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," its spokesperson added.
The patient who is currently being treated in Altnagelvin, told BBC News NI that a nurse warned him not to drink water from the hospital's own 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 man said he was later given a half litre of bottled water by a nurse.
In a statement to BBC News NI, the trust's spokesperson said they were "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 have been contacted for a response.
