FIGURES have revealed that North Cumbria Integrated Care Trust (NCIC) had over 65 pest infestations over the last three years.
The figures, revealed by a Freedom of Information request to North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, show that between 2021 and 2024 the trust had 68 pest infestations across its various premises.
This includes the Surgical Centre at the Cumberland Infirmary, Penrith Hospital, Brampton Hosptial, West Cumberland Infirmary, and others across the region, with these being affected by infestations of Garden Ants, Rats, Bluebottles, Wasps, and Fleas.
The figures also showed that the number of pest reports doubled between 2022/23 and 2023/24, rising from 16 to 34. In 2021/22 there were 18 reports of pests.
In addition, the NCIC spent £60,000 across this three period resolving these infestations.
In response to these figures, a spokesperson for North Cumbria Integrated Care emphasised the trust's commitment to pest control.
They said: "Pest control is an important part of maintaining our estate across the county to ensure the safety of staff and patients."
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