During the temporary closure patients had to be transported to Bathurst, Forbes and Dubbo to ensure there was no lapse in their treatment program.

Orange Health Service general manager Catherine Nowlan apologised on behalf of the health service to patients who were affected.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this time,” she said.

Ms Nowlan said routine testing of the water supply to dialysis machines received an unacceptable result in relation to water quality.

She said the hospital took immediate steps to rectify the problem.

The hospital changed the carbon filters used for the system in dialysis and further testing was to be carried out late yesterday in relation to chlorine levels.

Ms Nowlan said while earlier testing yesterday morning came back showing acceptable levels of chlorine, further testing would be carried out.

Orange City Council acting general manager Chris Devitt said the water quality problem experienced this week at the hospital was unrelated to the city’s supply system.

“Council carries out regular checks on the quality of water in the city,” he said.

Mr Devitt said recently Orange City Council was congratulated on the quality of its water, which was named amongst the top cities in the state for good water quality.

The patients from Orange hospital who had to be treated at other centres in the Western NSW Local Health District were transferred via hospital transport.

janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au