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Challenges of maintaining a pest-free hospital

David Cross, head of the Technical Training Academy at Rentokil Pest Control, and Paul Casson, Technical field manager at Rentokil Specialist Hygiene, look at some of the pest control challenges facing healthcare estates teams, and how to meet them.

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:

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Upcoming Events

The Fire Safety Event 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
30th April - 2 May 2024

Wales regional conference, exhibition and awards dinner 2024

International Conference Centre (ICC) Newport
28th - 29th May 2024

NAHFO National Conference 2024

Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne
3rd - 5th June 2024

Design in Mental Health 2024

Manchester Central
4th - 5th June 2024

InstallerSHOW 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
25th - 27th June

Healthcare Estates 2024

Manchester Central
8th-9th October 2024

Access the latest issue of Health Estate Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Health Estate Journal app from your device's App store

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