Medical negligence and pest control in NHS hospitals

While it might not fall into the more typical catalogue of medical negligence risks, such as surgical error, misdiagnosis or birth injury caused by substandard obstetric care, there are concerns that some NHS hospitals in the UK might be overrun with vermin.

A 2008 Freedom of Information Act disclosure revealed that seven out of every ten NHS trusts had to call in pest control experts at least 50 times in the 26 months between January 2006 and March 2008.

Problems ranged from rats in maternity units, flies in paediatric wards, wasps in operating theatres, as well as mice, bedbugs, fleas, cockroaches and silverfish.

Obviously, the chief concern of such infestations is that they might lead to patients suffering infection, something which would almost certainly constitute the grounds for medical negligence-related compensation claims.

A spokesperson for the Patients Association commented, "Such findings are truly revolting.

"How can patients be safe amid bedbugs, fleas and rats? These findings reveal what happens when money is taken away from where patients expect to see it spent.

"If these hospitals were restaurants they would be closed down and out of business."

However, Health Minister Ivan Lewis believes the fact that so many hospitals have called out pest control management should not be seen in an entirely negative light. He says, "The Hygiene Code requires NHS bodies to have a pest control policy that anticipates and manages this issue.

"Trusts should take rapid action and follow through with surveillance in place to avoid pest incidents and minimize hazards.

"Use of pest control is a sign of good proactive management."

Solicitors Regulation Authority clinical negligence specialists
As taxpayers and UK citizens we are all entitled to a minimum level of care from our hospitals.

In cases where health professionals fail to meet these standards and cause you distress, injury or ill health, you may be able to claim compensation.

In cases where you decide to proceed with this, choosing the right solicitor is essential.

Here at YouClaim, the clinical negligence solicitors on our panel firms share a commitment to keeping costs to an absolute minimum, dealing with your claim in a sensitive manner, explaining the process in jargon-free language, and ensuring that winning claimants receive the 100 percent compensation they are entitled to.

All specialists on our panel firms are governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, a branch of the Law Society - something we consider to be a guarantee of professionalism.

If you wish to investigate your chances of successfully claiming medical negligence compensation, simply use echat, fill out a claim form, request a callback or call us now on 0800 10 757 95.

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