Urine found in hospital water cooler in St. John’s, N.L., health board says

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – Health officials in eastern Newfoundland say it appears someone poured urine into the tower of a hospital water cooler used by staff and patients.

The Eastern Health Authority says the incident occurred between Nov. 24 and Dec. 2 at an outpatient clinic at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital in St. John’s.

David Diamond, president and CEO of Eastern Health, says a substance later confirmed to be urine was discovered in the water cooler on the ambulatory treatment unit on the third floor of the hospital on Dec. 3.

Eastern Health says the supplier of the water cooler confirmed the cooler has safeguards to ensure that liquid spilled into its tower does not contaminate the water bottle or dispenser.

Diamond says there is no health risk if people consumed water from the cooler.

Police have been notified and other water coolers have been tested and showed no signs of contamination.