Published: Wednesday, 17th February, 2010 5:30pm

Rodents and insects reported in local hospitals

by Danielle Harney

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A total of 58 pest control incidents were recorded at hospitals in both Mullingar and Ballinsloe during the space of four years up to 2009, according to hospital records released over the weekend.

Rodent sightings were the main cause of a pest control call-out, while droppings were also found in some areas of both hospitals, while insect sightings were only recorded in Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.

Rats or mice were the main cause of the 32 incidents in Mullingar Regional Hospital, while rodents, ants and silverfish were all problems for Portiuncula during the four years. The number of incidents date from 2006 to 2009.

"The issue of pest control is treated very seriously and every effort is made to ensure premises are free from vermin and other pests and to ensure that measures are in place to control access points, particularly at ground floor level and particularly during maintenance and construction projects. All recommendations in relation to pest control made by the specialist contractors and or HSE Environmental Health Officers are implemented without undue delay," said a spokesperson from HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster, which represents both Mullingar and Tullamore hospitals.

The HSE hospitals contract specialist pest control companies to undertake regular inspections. Advice and expertise is also available from the HSE's Environmental Health Department.

Meanwhile in Tullamore Regional Hospital, there were 112 incidents over the same period, however in response, the HSE pointed out that many of these incidents occurred while the new hospital was under construction. Mice, ants, cockroaches and rats were all sighted in various wards, kitchens and ICU within the last four years.

"The callouts are for the entire hospital complex which includes the old hospital. With regard to incidents of insects/cockroaches, these are largely seasonal occurring in the old hospital. The number of callouts have in fact reduced since the move to the new hospital. The period covered represents a time when the hospital was under construction," added the spokesperson about Tullamore hospital.

A spokesperson for HSE West was uncontactable.

The details were published in the Star on Sunday following freedom of information requests.