Cockroaches found in Regina General Hospital Mother Baby Unit

Among the things no new mother wants to see in her hospital room are cockroaches, but that’s what happened at the Regina General Hospital in October.

According to Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill, there were reports of cockroaches in two rooms. He said the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) immediately cleared out the rooms and investigated.

“It was found that the cockroaches were brought in by a patient and their family,” he explained.

Cockrill said the rooms were blocked off, pest control vendors were called, and the situation has been monitored since.

“My understanding, from speaking with the Saskatchewan Health Authority late last week and early this week, is that there hasn’t been evidence of more cockroaches or anything in that unit since,” said Cockrill.

However patients show up to health-care facilities, he said it’s the authority’s job to provide them with dignified and respectful care.

Derek Miller, COO of the SHA agreed, saying they care for all people who walk through their doors.

“Health facilities are high traffic areas with people coming from all environments,” said Miller.

Miller explained the authority’s priority is people’s safety and they work to investigate if there is a pest concern.

When asked about reports the Sask. Opposition NDP had brought forward of mouse droppings found by a constituent at the hospital, Miller said there is ongoing monitoring for rodents and mice at Regina General. He said it might happen that a facility has mice, but there’s ongoing monitoring and they deal with it when it comes up.