A MEMBER of the catering staff at Warrington Hospital has described the 'disgusting' working conditions inside the kitchen as rats are seen running across the floor.

The worker told the Warrington Guardian that the rats have been there for 'several weeks' and that maggots are now 'falling through the ceiling'.

Environmental Health have visited the site a number of times but the worker said nothing has helped stop the rats.

They said: "Two weeks ago, one of my colleagues stood on a rat to catch it."

A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “We have received complaints concerning rodent activity at Warrington General Hospital’s kitchen.

"A number of visits have been made by environmental health officers to ensure that public health is being protected.

"We are working with the hospital team to ensure that suitable pest control treatments, pest proofing and hygiene precautions are in place to protect patients.

"Further unannounced visits will be made.”

Chris Evans, chief operating officer at Warrington Hospital said: “The trust has an established pest control programme managed by the estates and facilities team with inspections made on a weekly basis to determine any activity.

"Any activity is immediately dealt with. Humane proactive deterrent measures are in place throughout the year and checked regularly.

“Earlier this month we were alerted that activity had been noticed in the location of our kitchens and our pest control contractor was contacted immediately.

"Warrington Borough Council’s Environmental Health team have since visited and have worked closely with us to take further preventative action.

“We can confirm that the incident was not in our food preparation area however we proactively decontaminated all the areas as good practice.

"Patient meals were not affected in any way

“We continue to do all we can to maintain and protect our buildings to ensure the safest and best experience for our patients and staff until such time as Warrington has the state of the art, purpose built facility that is required to deliver 21st century healthcare.”