Reports of 23 infestations over three years at Navan Hospital

Updated: Wednesday, 17th February, 2010 4:53pm

Our Lady's Hospital, Navan.

TWENTY three incidents of vermin or insect infestation have been recorded at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan in the last three years, according to a report.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has said that every effort is made to keep its premises free from vermin and other pests and to ensure that measures are in place to control access points, particularly at ground floor level, in its hospitals and during maintenance and construction projects.

The incidents of infestation between 2006 and 2009 were reported in the Star on Sunday newspaper. It said that 20 of the incidents occurred in 2008/2009.

The following were the reasons and action taken (if any): 1.12.09, Mice reported in ICU; 10.6.09, Call-out to coffee dock area for flies; 15.5.09, Call-out for suspected rodent activity over false ceiling. Action: On inspection dead bird found and removed. "Hatch over false ceiling needs to be sealed to prevent more bird access to this area," it was reported; 13.3.09, Smell reported at theatre.; 12.3.09, Call-out to inspect coffee dock for rodents; 2.1.09, Bad smell in theatre area; 13.12.08 Flies in theatre area. Action: "Flies are coming from the sewer system - possible broken sewer pipe."; 10.12.08 Bad smell in theatre ladies' changing room.; 9.12.08 Fly activity in general theatre ladies' changing room; 26.11.08 Mice activity in orthopaedic theatre; 24.11.08 Call-out for fly activity in changing room; Action: "Dead rat removed from this area. Full camera survey needs to be carried out. Holes and gaps to outside need to be sealed otherwise rodent problemt will most likely re-occur,"; 28.10.08 Call-out for rodent activity reported at A&E. Action: "No rodent activity found. A full camera survey needs to be carried out in all underground drains and piping to inspect for breakage and rodent access."; 3.1.08 Flying insect activity found in ward; 24.7.07 Dead roden found above ceiling and removed. Action: "Coffee dock needs to be cleaned before re-opening."; 12.12.06 Sighting of rodents in hospital workshop.

At Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda a total of eight incidents were reported between 2006 and 2009, including two to "catch and destroy feral cats".

The HSE said yesterday (Tuesday) that as part of normal maintenance services in its hospitals, pest control companies were contracted to undertake routine inspection for vermin and other pests. "Such inspections are performed on a regular basis," a spokesperson said.

"The HSE has one of the most extensive estates of any public sector organisation in Ireland. The challenge facing the HSE us to manage all aspects of those estates, whether in the hospital or nursing home setting. Hygiene services are a top priority in all areas of estate management and are delivered to minimise pest related incidents. The HSE expects all establishments to be vigilant for incidents on an ongoing basis and to contract the services of pest control companies when these occur, and this is reflected in the data which has been supplied to answer freedom of information requests."