Police are investigating after a cannabis cake was brought to a shared lunch at Hawke’s Bay Hospital.
Two staff members ended up in the emergency department after eating the cake, 1News understands.
Health NZ says there were no clinical or senior medical officers involved.
It is understood the individual who brought the cake to the hospital in Hastings resigned afterwards.
In a short statement, police said they “are investigating an incident which occurred at the hospital on 30 June”.
Health Minister Simeon Brown, asked about the incident this morning, said it was “completely unacceptable behaviour by the staff member involved”.
He said Health New Zealand had taken it “incredibly seriously” and police were investigating.
The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including Trump’s deadline for Russia, legal action against a supermarket giant, and an unusual marathon record. (Source: Breakfast)
Asked about any impact on patients, Brown said the incident involved administrative staff, not clinical staff.
Health New Zealand Hawke’s Bay Acting Group Director of Operations Rika Hentschel said the safety of staff and patients is always a top priority.
“We took this incident extremely seriously and acted immediately to ensure appropriate steps were taken.”
She said the matter is now with police and Health New Zealand is assisting in the investigation.
In 2018, an Auckland man was sentenced to 22 months in prison after poisoning workmates with a cake containing marijuana. Nine of his colleagues were admitted to hospital as a result, it was reported at the time.
