Police and health authorities are appealing to a woman to seek medical help after placental material was found in a Waikato Hospital public toilet early today.
Police were called to the hospital after cleaners found the toilet blocked at 4.30am today. The toilet is off a main corridor at the hospital, between the emergency department and the hospital's maternity wards.
Detective Sergeant Mark Greene says cleaners discovered a "reasonable" amount of placenta was blocking the toilet when they went to clean it. The toilet is locked from about 8.30pm until 4.30am. Both staff and the public have access to it.
There was no foetus found in the toilet, just the placental material.
Mr Greene says it was not known if there had been a live birth or a miscarriage.
"That is what we need to establish. But it is also essential that this woman - and possibly a baby - get medical attention as soon as possible. She could be in some distress and may be in need of urgent care."
Waikato Hospital is speaking to staff and patients in the area in a bid to identify the woman.
Mr Greene said the woman should contact Waikato Hospital or police as soon as possible, or if preferred, she could go to a GP to seek advice and help.
"We really do need to ascertain what has happened here and it is important for all concerned that this woman is found."