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16 October 2008 02:37 BST

'Plague of pests' descending on NHS

Wednesday, 06 Aug 2008 15:25

More than half of NHS trusts regularly calling in pest control, new figures show

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More than half of NHS trusts are regularly calling in pest control, new figures have shown.

Data obtained by the Conservatives by a freedom of information request have revealed frequent invasions of rats, bedbugs, fleas, cockroaches and flies.

Seventy per cent of trusts have called in pest control at least 50 times between January 2006 and March 2008, the figures showed.

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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