A staff member inside the hospital said staff had been sent a memo saying:
“Hawke’s Bay Hospital has gone into lockdown due to a potential gunman in the vicinity. Please stay away from doors and windows and do not let anybody exit the building. Further information to follow”.
Armed police have surrounded the Hawke’s Bay Hospital after an incident about 1.20pm on Wednesday. Photo / Jack Riddell
The staff member said at 2.15pm armed police and police dogs were doing a search of the Emergency Department.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.Hawke’s Bay Hospital is surrounded by police officers. Photo / Jack Riddell
A Health NZ spokesperson said Hawke’s Bay Hospital was in lockdown following a report of an incident in the Emergency Department.
“Patient and staff safety is top priority. We will update further when it’s appropriate.”
Angkor Wat, a nearby bakery, was also in lockdown.
“I’m not sure what’s going on,” staff member Nidar Maobun said.
“The police just came across and told us not to leave the shop since the hospitals are locked down.
”About 10 people, including the workers, were inside the bakery at the time.
“It’s a bit scary … Everyone’s just finished eating and are just on their phones now.”
Kathy, from Hospital Flowers, a shop across the road from Hawke’s Bay Hospital, had her doors locked this afternoon as a precaution.
Some people with appointments booked at the hospital for this afternoon were waiting on the footpath hoping to see their doctor.
One told Hawke’s Bay Today he wasn’t too worried about the situation.
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Nurses meant to be starting their shifts at the hospital were also finding themselves unable to get into work, but said they were unperturbed.
An ambulance also appeared to have been waiting for a few minutes outside the police cordon on Omahu Rd, before going through.
Asked about the impact on ambulance services, and whether ambulances were on the grounds or able to arrive, a Hato Hone St John spokesperson said:
“Hato Hone St John was notified of an incident at Hawke’s Bay Hospital at 1.20pm today. One operations manager and one rapid response unit are staged nearby as a precaution.”
MORE TO COME