The Health Ministry has confirmed that there were two reports of rats active in ‘non-inpatient’ areas of Sir Paul Boffa Hospital, one of which has been “concluded positively” and is still being looked into.

This newspaper sent questions to the Health Ministry after it received reports of a possible “rat infestation” at Boffa, which is today mainly used as a care home for the elderly. Sources said workers had dismantled parts of the soffit ceiling in search for the pesky rodents.

The ministry played down the ‘infestation’ report but confirmed that two reports had been received.

“Like all other hospitals, Boffa is covered by an active pest control contract that sees supplier take both pre-emptive and reactive actions to fulfil his contractual obligations,” a spokesperson said.

“Over the last weeks there were two reports escalated to supplier for further investigation. Both these reports, in non-inpatient areas, were investigated. One of them was confirmed and concluded positively by supplier. The other reported incident is still being investigated by the pest control supplier and yet to be concluded.”

The ministry said the hospital management, in conjunction with the said supplier “are actively monitoring the situation both inside the premises and in the areas around the hospital and will be taking all measures necessary to safeguard interests of both employees and patients alike.”