Rats spotted roaming inside north Wales hospital

Rats have been spotted roaming inside a North Wales hospital after "chewing" through gaps in the walls.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board admitted that the rodents have been spotted at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan.

The sightings were reported at the Ivor Lewis building, a pre-op assessment clinic attended by patients before surgery.

Rhyl councillor Brian Jones said the "infestation" was "totally unacceptable".

The health board said it had taken pest control measures and insisted there was "no evidence of an infestation".

"There have been a small number of rat sightings inside the Ivor Lewis building of the hospital", said Stuart Keen, the board's director of environment and estates.

Pest control measures are in place across the site, including routine inspections and monitoring.

"As soon as this was identified, we undertook a thorough review of the building" and there has been "no impact on patient care or clinical services", he added.

Rats carry several serious diseases potentially transmissible to humans, which are spread through urine, droppings, as well as scratches or bites, as well as parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites.

Rhyl Cllr Brian Jones called the situation "disturbing".

Whilst accepting the fact that vermin, like rats, are a common problem, Cllr Jones said "it is very concerning" and "the actions that have been taken don't seem to be good enough".

"They need to get on top of this, and I'd be interested to hear what the procedure is going forward.

"It is really totally unacceptable to hear that we have a rat infestation in the Ivor Lewis building and potentially other parts of Glan Clwyd, like the A&E, for instance. It is very disturbing to hear this", he added.

"If I were a patient, I'm not personally frightened of rats, but I know people who would be absolutely petrified to hear there is an issue with a rat infestation at Glan Clwyd Hospital."