Dead Rat Remained in Clinic After 2020 Inspection

Rat found in December 2020 inspection of city-run health clinic in Baltimore remained undisturbed and mummified in follow-up site visit 18 months later.

By HFT Staff


Hospitals and other healthcare facilities wage a constant battle against pests of all kinds, so the challenge for managers is to develop and implement a tailored pest management program for their facilities. Still, problems related to infestations will continue to test the best plans, as one health clinic found out recently. 

A dead rat found in December 2020 inspection of a city-run health clinic in Baltimore remained undisturbed and mummified in a follow-up site visit 18 months later, Baltimore’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) said recently. 

Many of the same sanitary and maintenance problems – dead rodents in the basement, falling tiles in the ceiling, and water leaks and broken toilet pipes – discovered initially were uncorrected at the Druid Health District Building this summer, according to the report. 

Staff visited the clinic on July 14, 2022, in response to an anonymous complaint and a June inspection by the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) that found the lack of ready access to safety needles, and sharps disposal containers not properly mounted to the wall. 

“The OIG’s observations of rodents, pests, security and other general maintenance [issues] during the July 2022 site visit support that there are still concerns regarding the Baltimore City Health Department’s compliance with OSHA regulations and employee health and safety requirements per the city’s MOU with labor unions,” according to the report. 

 



September 26, 2022


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Why Cyber Readiness Is the New Standard of Care

In a sector in which digital disruptions are inevitable, the real measure of strength is the ability to deliver safe, reliable care no matter what.


Smarter, Faster, Safer: The Rise of AI in Healthcare Security Technologies

Manufacturers discuss how AI, machine learning and real-time analytics are boosting the speed and accuracy of CCTV monitoring and weapons detection.


The WHO and UNICEF Release New Global Hand Hygiene Guidelines

These are the first global guidelines for hand hygiene in community settings.


Swatting Calls, Hoax Threats Have Real Consequences for Healthcare

A recent report of a shooting at a hospital in California turned out to be a possible swatting incident.


Next Level Announces Expansion of Conroe, Texas Clinic

The expanded facility will offer additional exam rooms, improved patient flow and an enhanced waiting area designed with patient comfort in mind.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.