Pest control arrangements at Ramsey Cottage Hospital and Nobles Hospital have been set out by the Infrastructure Minister, Dr Michelle Haywood.
This is following a question from Onchan MHK Julie Edge which asked how many pest control inspections had taken place over the past five years, who was responsible for them, what remedial actions were taken, and whether inspection certificates would be published.
Dr Haywood confirmed there is no regulatory requirement for routine pest inspections across the wider hospital estates.
However, to meet food hygiene regulations and Manx Care pest control policy, the Department of Infrastructure employs specialist contractor Vespula Limited to carry out six-weekly inspections of main kitchen areas at both sites.
Pest Inspections
The DoI Minister explained that monthly inspections of general hospital areas were previously carried out but ceased around 2015 due to privacy and access concerns.
Leaving baited vermin boxes down was also deemed as an unacceptable method of controlling pests due to the environmental impacts to the food chain via secondary poisoning.
In response to a recent rise in pest activity at Ramsey District Cottage Hospital (RDCH), Vespula Limited has attended the site 39 times since May 2025, using cameras, UV bait and traps.
Pest sightings are typically reported by building users, with the Department working alongside Manx Care and the contractor to address issues. Remedial action usually involves the targeted use of rodenticides or insecticides.
Pest reports have been logged on the Concerto system since mid-2022, with earlier records held elsewhere. Inspection certificates are not routinely published, but can be provided on request.
Figures show pest reports at the Cottage Hospital increased from six in 2021 to 22 in 2025.
Whilst at Nobles Hospital, reports were higher overall, peaking at 45 in 2023 before falling to 25 in 2025.
