Over 1,200 calls to hospital pest alerts

Aug 7 2008 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

PEST control teams were called to North East hospitals more than 1,200 times over the past two years.

Figures have revealed ants, rats, mice and cockroaches spotted in wards, restaurants and corridors across the region’s NHS Foundation Trusts.

It comes as more than 20,000 incidents of pest infestation were reported at hospitals nationally over the past two years. But last night health chiefs at North East hospitals said “vigorous management” ensured levels were kept safe.

And nationally the Government dismissed suggestions that problems were linked to the spread of hospital-acquired infections like MRSA, insisting the threat to patient safety was “negligible”.

Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust confirmed the largest number of callouts in the region, with 735 “sightings” across its sites.

It was followed by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust with 208 cases across its five hospital sites and community buildings. There were 61 cases of ants, 33 of biting insects and 11 reports of rat sightings. South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust revealed 173 callouts, including 92 for ants, and 20 for mice.

Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust reported 87 visits from pest control, 58 of which have been to deal with ants and 12 for mice.

There were 22 cases reported at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust including seven for ants and City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust reported 11 callouts over the past two years, mainly for external bird nuisance. Paul Brewis, operational services manager with Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The more aged the buildings, many of which are to be demolished in the next three years with relocation to modern infrastructure, the more they are vulnerable to infestation, particularly insects. In the summer months many of the sightings prove to be negative on specialist testing and treatments. We are uncompromising and respond no matter what the circumstances.”

A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust said: “Pest control is an important part of proactive site management and we ensure that swift action is taken if there are reports of pests.”

Ian Frame, executive director for personnel and development with South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We believe that if there is any possibility of pest infestation, it is better to call in experts to prevent a problem happening and our records speak for themselves.”

Allan Smith, director of operations at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: “To avoid infestation we receive regular visits by specialists as part of a formal pest control contract.” City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust said: “City Hospitals works hard to ensure that our premises are free from infestation and that our patients are safe.”

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