The Bracken Birthing Centre at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, Somerset, was temporarily closed for 48 hours following a reported sighting of a rat within the facility. The closure allowed for a thorough inspection and an extensive deep cleaning to address the issue promptly.
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust confirmed that during this period, services were temporarily relocated to other maternity areas within the hospital to ensure continuous care for women and birthing people. The Trust emphasized that no other sections of the maternity unit were impacted and that no further rat sightings have been reported.
A spokesperson for the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust explained, “Upon the sighting of a rat within Bracken Birthing Centre, we took immediate precautionary measures by temporarily closing the unit. Our estates and pest control teams conducted a detailed inspection, sealed potential entry points, and performed a comprehensive deep clean of the area.”
READ MORE: ‘Important’ Energy Storage Facility Near Hinkley C Park and Ride to Open by 2027
The spokesperson added, “Throughout this time, maternity services continued without disruption in alternative areas, and after 48 hours, the Birthing Centre reopened once we were confident that the issue was fully resolved.”
The hospital remains committed to maintaining a clean and safe environment for all patients and staff.