The main kitchen at Singleton Hospital in Swansea has been closed for nearly a month following the discovery of a cockroach infestation in the building’s undercroft area.
Swansea Bay University Health Board confirmed that the infestation was identified at the end of June, prompting the immediate closure of the kitchen and the disposal of all previously prepared food stored on-site. Since then, patient meals have been prepared off-site or sourced from alternative suppliers, with no disruption to service reported.
“Swift action was taken following the discovery,” said a health board spokesperson. “We are working hard to eradicate the infestation, liaising closely with the Environmental Health Officer.”
Catering staff have been temporarily relocated to Morriston Hospital, while Singleton’s dining room and coffee shop remain open. The health board has not provided a timeline for reopening the kitchen.
Pest control concerns not new
The incident follows a series of pest control call-outs across Swansea Bay hospitals in recent years. According to a Freedom of Information disclosure published in May, Singleton Hospital recorded multiple cockroach-related call-outs between 2021 and 2024—including infestations in the kitchen, pharmacy, and undercroft areas.
The health board’s pest control contract covers both routine and emergency visits, with an average annual cost of £851 per hospital site. However, outcomes of individual call-outs are not recorded.
Wider concerns over hospital hygiene
The closure comes amid growing national concern over hygiene standards in NHS buildings. A recent Unison staff survey found that one in six NHS workers had witnessed infestations of rats, cockroaches, or silverfish in their hospitals over the past year. The same report highlighted issues such as leaking sewage, broken toilets, and crumbling ceilings.
In Swansea, the issue has added pressure to a health board already under scrutiny. Earlier this week, an independent review into maternity and neonatal services found repeated failings in care, poor complaint handling, and inconsistent support for families. The Welsh Government has since escalated its intervention to Level 4, the second-highest level of oversight.
🔗 Independent review finds repeated failings in Swansea Bay maternity care
“We are sorry for the distress caused and are committed to improving standards across all areas of care,” said Chief Executive Abigail Harris, who recently issued a public apology following the maternity review.
