Health bosses were forced to call in pest control after rats were spotted at Herne Bay’s Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital.

Managers at the site in King Edward Avenue were alerted when two rodents were spotted outside the Heron ward building.

A woman, who overheard staff talking about the issue when visiting a relative at the hospital, said she was shocked to learn about the sighting.

“I couldn’t believe it at first,” she said.

“To think of rats running around a place where people are ill and more susceptible to catching something made my skin crawl.

“The last place you expect to see pest control is at a hospital.

“I didn’t even want to tell my relative because I didn’t want to worry her. She doesn’t need the additional stress.

“I’m just glad action has been taken to resolve the problem.”

An NHS property services spokesman says bosses believe the issue has been resolved.

“At the beginning of May, we brought in pest control experts to resolve a reported issue at the site,” he said.

“We also worked closely with local infection control and clinical teams to ensure patient safety.

"We are confident the issue has now been resolved and will continue to monitor the site closely.

“As a responsible landlord, we also carry out routine pest control at many of our sites, including Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital.”

Health bosses are still working on plans for a new minor injuries unit at the site, which will be based at the rehabilitation unit.

Earlier this year, the contract to run the unit was awarded to four GP practices in the town following a tender process.

Doctors from Park Surgery in Kings Road, St Anne’s in Station Road, Coach House Surgery in Canterbury Road and William Street Surgery have united to run the centre.