Challenges of maintaining a pest-free hospital

Hospitals need to be clean, sterile environments to prevent infection spreading. The UK has strict hygiene legislation that facilities must adhere to, so that patients and staff are kept safe, but maintaining the highest levels of hygiene may not always be a straightforward task. Pest control can be challenging in healthcare facilities – because pests are naturally attracted to buildings, where there is shelter, warmth, food, and water in abundance. Prevention of pests in hospitals requires constant vigilance, as pests such as rodents and insects can contaminate surfaces, medical supplies, and equipment, as they move from one food source to another. Hospitals often go to great lengths to prevent potential pest problems. Just this year it was reported that one Glaswegian hospital had paid nearly half a million pounds since 2015 to maintain a pest-free environment. A spokesperson from the hospital was quoted in the media, saying: “We continuously and actively review pest prevention and control requirements through regular audits in all hospitals and premises. This integrated management approach significantly reduces pest issues through proactive and preventative systems. In addition to these preventative systems, if staff in a given area observe or suspect pest infection of any kind, a reactive service is provided immediately.”

Risks of poor hygiene standards

It’s clear that a proactive strategy to pest control is crucial in order to remain compliant with health and safety regulations. Failure to maintain hygiene standards and respond to infestations can be costly, as pest infestations can lead to the temporary closure of a unit, ward, department, or even an entire healthcare facility. Below are the four key rules you should follow to make sure that your hospital doesn't fall victim to an infestation: