Hospital ward to close amid 'pest control issue'

Patients will be treated at Noble's Hospital instead for four weeks

A hospital ward is set to be closed for four weeks to allow to allow a "pest control issue" in part of the building's roof to be dealt with, the island's health body has said.

Manx Care said patients using Martin Ward at Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital would be moved to the island's main hospital the end of October to enable "thorough and safe remedial works" to take place.

The affected area was "currently being monitored daily by pest control contractors" and enhanced cleaning schedules were in place, it said, however the health body has not confirmed what the pest is.

No further details about the issue have been released by Manx Care.

During the period, Martin Ward patients would be moved temporarily to ward 19 at Noble's Hospital's West Wing.

Staff would also be moved with patients for "continuity of care", Manx Care continued.

'Deep cleaning'

In August, the health body announced the number of hospital beds would be reduced by 11 to 20 amid a reconfiguration of Martin Ward, used for inpatients with varied illnesses as well as those in need of rehabilitation and respite care.

Affected patients and their families would be contacted prior to the move, and all other services at the hospital would continue to operate as normal while the work takes place, Manx Care said.

The closure would enable planned works to be carried out by the Department of Infrastructure such as the installation of new ceiling tiles as well as a deep cleaning and inspection programme.

Sheila Lloyd, Executive Director of Nursing for Manx Care said the health body recognised the relocation "may be difficult for some people visiting loved ones who would usually be in Ramsey."

However, it was important to maintain a space that was "conducive to recovery and welbeing", she said, and the temporary closure would "reduce additional, unnecessary, inconvenience to patients."