Mrs Kukari Aseri Lui1
11, East honiara, Solomon Islands
Biography:
Kukari Lui is an IPC Nurse at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara, Solomon Islands, with over nineteen years of diverse nursing experience. Holding degrees from the Solomon Islands National University and Fiji National University, she leads sterilization services and projects, including a major centralisation initiative supported by the WHO.
Abstract:
Problem
Rodent infestations at the Solomon Islands National Referral Hospital poses several significant risks including spread of infectious diseases, structural damage to hospital infrastructure, destruction of medical equipment and loss or contamination of medication and medical supplies.
Interventions
A large-scale rodent management program using tamper-resistant, lockable rodent bait stations has been implemented by the IPC team since January 2024. Prior to program implementation, several key preparatory measures were established such as increased public awareness, safe food storage, proper waste management, elimination of external harbourages, safe and secure water source, availability of reversal agents and facilities to monitor prothrombin time.
Results
On the first month following implementation, 109 dead rodents were collected. However, rodents were reported to die in inaccessible places and behind heavy equipment, resulting in unpleasant odours that affected staff. Hospital cleaning and grounds keeping teams collected and incinerated rodent carcasses daily. Over the first year, the program achieved notable success: all hospital departments reported a marked reduction in rodent numbers, no further patient rodent bites occurred, and damage to medical equipment and supplies ceased. However, more than a year later, rodents began to reappear in certain kitchen areas, highlighting the need for ongoing and more frequent program monitoring.
Conclusion
Rodent infestations can significantly disrupt healthcare settings. Preventing and controlling hospital rodent problems is a long-term endeavour requiring sustained, tailored interventions for effective management.
Lessons learnt
Rodent populations may rebound if conditions that attract them are not addressed. Therefore, a customized ongoing approach is necessary for effective control.