Suitcase sparks maternity ward evacuation

Emergency crews evacuated a mother and new-born baby from a hospital yesterday after a man left his suitcase in the maternity wing.

Senior Sergeant Geoff Scott said police were called about 5pm to Buller Hospital at Westport after the suitcase was found by staff.

As a precaution, the wing, occupied by a mother and her new-born baby as well as hospital staff, was closed and they were moved into another part of the hospital.

The Westport Volunteer Fire Brigade were called and stood by while police investigated.

The suitcase was eventually identified as belonging to a student who had been dismissed from the Westport Fishing School.

The unlocked case was inspected and found to contain clothing.

The maternity wing was reopened at 5.50pm.

The owner of the case had decided it was a safe place to leave it there while he spent time around the town, Scott said.

"His thoughtlessness caused considerable disruption and inconvenience to a number of people,'' Scott said.