An investigation has been launched after a member of the public was able to sneak into a Wellington Regional Hospital operating theatre last week.
Capital & Coast DHB Chief Medical Officer John Tait told Newshub they gained access "under false pretences", and understood they were helped by an Otago University medical student on placement.
He did not confirm if a patient was unconscious and in surgery at the time, but said a patient was involved.
"We have apologised to the patient and family affected, and wish to take this opportunity to apologise again," he said.
"We take patient privacy and our security responsibilities incredibly seriously, and no breach of this nature is acceptable."
Tait said an investigation has been launched.
"We have discussed this with the University of Otago, prohibited the student from entering DHB premises while investigations are underway, and the matter of the student is now in the university's hands.
"The matter of the individual who perpetrated the breach has been referred to the Police, and we have advised the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of the incident.
"We are now reviewing our security systems and protocols to minimise the risk of such a breach occurring again."
A police spokesperson confirmed they were told of the incident, "however it was not considered to be a police matter".
It is unclear what the intruder's intentions were and how they managed to get through.
"The allegations are being taken very seriously with a formal investigation having been commenced as soon as the university was alerted to the possible involvement of one of its students," a spokesperson for the University of Otago said.
The student involved is currently not allowed to undertake clinical placements.
"Please be assured that the University of Otago places very clear expectations on its students in hospital settings and has rigorous processes to address any possible breach of those expectations."
