18,000 Pest Problems Reported by NHS Hospitals in England

NHS Hospitals in England Report 18,000 Pest Problems

April 9, 2024 TruthUSA

Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey is calling on the government to provide emergency funding to address a widespread pest issue in NHS hospitals.

A recent freedom of information request by the Liberal Democrats has exposed numerous pest problems in NHS hospitals across England.

Davey referred to the findings as a “national scandal,” emphasizing the importance of ensuring patients are safe from pests like bugs and rodents.

Although the party requested data on pest issues from healthcare providers, not all hospitals provided feedback.

Available responses revealed over 18,000 pest-related problems in NHS hospitals in England in the past three years, including instances of rats in maternity wards and wasp nests in imaging areas.

Other issues reported included ants coming through the ceiling, cockroaches on wards, maggots in a mortuary, and rodents in a kitchen.

New Hospital Scheme

The Department of Health and Social Care noted that substantial investments have been made to modernize NHS buildings, including a £4.2 billion investment this fiscal year and the £20 billion New Hospital Programme.

The New Hospital Programme aims to construct 40 new hospitals in England by 2030. The NHS has requested prioritization for the construction and repair of seven severely impacted hospitals in various regions.

Last year, the government announced a £20 billion investment in hospital infrastructure to alleviate waiting lists and enhance patient care.

A DHSC spokesperson highlighted additional investments for hospital upgrades and improvements in various healthcare sectors.

The Liberal Democrats estimate that addressing the pest problem in NHS hospitals would require over £3 million.

Recent estimates indicate that the cost of addressing the NHS repair backlog has surged to £11.6 billion, emphasizing the persistent challenges faced by the healthcare system in the UK.

Persistent Problem

According to national standards, healthcare organizations are responsible for procuring licensed specialists to manage pest control in their facilities.

Data obtained by the Liberal Democrats reveals a high number of pest incidents, with one trust reporting 156 proactive weekly callouts over the past three years.

Pest infestations have been an ongoing issue in the UK healthcare system, as evidenced by previous data illustrating pest problems in various hospital departments.

In recent years, incidents like postnatal patient evacuations in Birmingham Heartlands Hospital and operating theater closures due to rodent sightings at Clatterbridge Hospital have underscored the severity of the problem.

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