NHS hospitals plagued by cockroaches

Wednesday, 6 August 2008 10:59 AM

Well over half of NHS trusts are calling in pest control on a regular basis, figures released by the Conservatives show.

Obtained under freedom of information, the figures show frequent invasions of rats, bedbugs, fleas, cockroaches and flies, with 70 per cent of Trusts calling in pest control at least 50 times between January 2006 and March 2008.

Infestations occurred in wards, clinics and operating theatres.

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS trust was by far the worst, with over 1,000 incidents reported.

Some examples of infestation included maggots found in a patient's slippers, rats in a maternity ward, cockroaches in a urology unit and a store of sterile materials infested with mice.

"It is difficult for health service estates to maintain a completely pest free environment but the level and variety of these infestations is concerning," said Andrew Lansley, shadow health secretary.

"We need greater transparency in NHS infection control, and publishing data like this is one way in which we can drive up overall hygiene standards."

Health minister Ivan Lewis said individual trusts were responsible for keeping their premises clean.

"The hygiene code requires NHS bodies to have a pest control policy that anticipates and manages this issue.

"Trusts should take rapid action and follow through with surveillance in place to avoid pest incidents and minimize hazards.

"Use of pest control is a sign of good proactive management."

A Health Protection Agency spokesman said: "In countries with good standards of healthcare, the possibility for insects or pests to transmit infections in hospitals would be very remote.

"In the UK, wounds are treated appropriately and dressings applied to ensure good hygiene and prevent infection."

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