LONDON (AFP) — NHS Trust hospitals called in pest controllers almost 20,000 times over the last two years to deal with frequent infestations of rats, fleas, flies and cockroaches, it was revealed Wednesday.
Figures released by the Conservative Party under the Freedom of Information Act showed that almost three-quarters of the 127 trusts who responded had needed treatment at least 50 times.
Seventy-seven percent of trusts reported problems with mice, 66 percent with rats and 65 percent with cockroaches while wasps were found in neo-natal units and maternity wards.
Shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley said: "It is difficult for health service estates to maintain a completely pest-free environment but the level and variety of these infections is concerning. "
Top of the list was Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust which recorded 1,070 incidents followed by Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust which reported 898 infestations.
A spokesman for the Health Protection Agency reassured patients that their well-being was not at risk: "In countries with good standards of healthcare, the possibility for insects or pests to transmit infections in hospitals would be very remote," they told the BBC.
"In the UK, wounds are treated appropriately and dressings applied to ensure good hygiene and prevent infection," they added.
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