Hospital Cited for Widespread Bug Infestation

By Walter F. Roche Jr.

A major Pennsylvania health facility has been cited for failing to prevent a widespread infestation of bugs, mice and other pests with sightings in patient rooms, treatment areas and even an intensive care unit.
In a 34-page report recently made public, state health inspectors cited the Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Chester, Pa. for multiple violations of state and federal standards including infection control and environmental services.
According to the report the medical center's own records showed 226 reports of pest sightings throughout the main hospital campus buildings between Jan. 1, 2017 and Aug. 30, 2017.  Pests cited included mice, bugs, gnats, roaches, hornets nests, fruit flies, bed bugs, lice and a possum.
Crozer-Chester filed a detailed plan of correction in response to the inspection which was accepted by state health officials. Hospital officials did not respond to a request for comment.
The sightings included mice and roaches observed in patient rooms. Other areas where sightings were recorded included the emergency room, a labor and delivery unit and the burn trauma center.
A review of the facility records showed that Crozer-Chester failed to conduct annual performance reviews on the private pest control contractor.
The inspectors cited an interview with one hospital employee who acknowledged that "the presence of pests throughout the facility and especially in patient care areas was not a safe or sanitary environment of care."
Inspectors found glue boards and mouse traps on the floor around heating and ventilation units and in patient rooms.
The inspection, which was categorized as "an unannounced complaint investigation began on Aug. 30 and was completed on Sept. 15.
"It was determined that the facility failed to provide adequate oversight and prevention of rodents and pests throughout the facility," the inspectors reported.
In its plan of correction hospital officials said they had set a goal for a 10 per cent reduction in sightings month over month. Special monitoring will be required in dietary areas, under the plan. In addition weekly and monthly monitoring of the private contractor's performance will be initiated.
The hospital was also faulted for failing to coordinate pest control efforts with a food service contractor. The pest log, according to the report, included 22 sightings in the dietary department between Jan. 1, 2017 and Aug. 30.
"The pests listed included mice, roaches, fruit flies and a possum," the report states.employee told inspectors
An employee told state inspectors,"Pest control is an ongoing problem in the kitchen department.
The corrective action plan submitted by Crozer-Chester includes additional training for hospital staffers and monitoring of progress by the management including the facility president.
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