Mice sightings shut hospital ward

A hospital ward has been forced to close due to an infestation of mice.

Newham General Hospital in east London took the action after a "cluster of sightings", a spokeswoman said.

She blamed cold weather for the mice moving into the ward and the said the problem was being treated by pest control officials.

Cockroaches have also been spotted but the hospital said this was in an isolated area closed for refurbishment and the problem was being tackled.

Situation 'improving'

Director of nursing and patient care Cathy Geddes said: "We apologise for the inconvenience and distress this is causing some patients and visitors.

"Please be assured that we will continue to provide high standards of clinical care.

"We are monitoring the situation closely and will take any necessary action to ensure these high standards are maintained."

Environmental health officers had been informed, and the situation was being "monitored daily and is improving", the spokeswoman said.