HCA Healthcare’s St. David’s South Austin (Texas) Medical Center has closed select areas of the hospital, including the kitchen, after discovering what it called “pest activity” during a renovation project.
On June 24, the Austin-American Statesman reported receiving an anonymous tip that the activity was related to a “rat infestation.”
The activity was found in an isolated area disrupted during construction, a hospital spokesperson said in a June 24 statement shared with Becker’s. In addition to closing certain areas of the hospital during the construction period, St. David’s has also strengthened pest-control services and increased cleaning protocols.
The hospital is continuing to provide meals to patients, visitors and staff that are being prepared offside and delivered to the medical center in accordance with all applicable health and safety standards, the spokesperson said. St. David’s is also rotating food trucks outside the hospital to provide meals for staff and visitors.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of our patients, visitors and colleagues as we complete these important facility improvements,” the spokesperson added.
St. David’s South Austin Medical Center began construction of a $180 million, four-story patient tower in March that will include a 30-bed patient care unit, a 20-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit and four operating rooms. The hospital is part of Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare.
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