Key takeaway:
- St. David’s South Austin Medical Center closed its kitchen after a rat infestation Austin hospital was discovered, which officials linked to an area disrupted by ongoing construction.
- The hospital increased pest-control efforts, enhanced cleaning protocols, and shifted meal preparation offsite to maintain operations.
- The infestation was identified during a $180 million expansion project expected to be completed between late 2028 and early 2029.
St. David’s South Austin Medical Center temporarily closed its kitchen, increased cleaning protocols, and expanded pest-control measures after a rat infestation Austin hospital was discovered, which officials linked to ongoing construction work at the campus.
The hospital identified the issue during an ongoing expansion project this spring, according to CEO Charles Laird. Officials said the infestation was found in an isolated area disturbed by construction activity near the existing facility.
Construction activity triggers rodent problem
An anonymous tip to the Austin American-Statesman alleged that a rat infestation Austin hospital had led to rats being spotted throughout the facility, describing it as a well-established problem affecting both patients and staff.
Hospital leaders said the problem emerged during work on a new four-story tower being built southwest of the current hospital building. The project is designed to increase bed capacity, add a rehabilitation unit, and improve utility infrastructure.
“To ensure the safety of our patients, visitors, and colleagues during the construction period, we have closed certain areas of the hospital, including the kitchen, enhanced pest-control services, and increased cleaning protocols,” Laird said.
Hospital shifts food service offsite
As part of its response, the hospital closed its kitchen and arranged for meals to be prepared at an off-site location and delivered to patients.
The facility also brought in rotating food trucks to provide meals for employees and visitors while remediation efforts continue.
Rats are known to carry diseases such as hantavirus, typhus, plague, and Lyme disease, but hospital officials confirmed that the rat infestation Austin hospital did not result in any reported illnesses.
The medical center said it is working to contain the issue while maintaining normal patient care operations.
Expansion project remains on track
The rodent discovery comes as St. David’s South Austin undertakes a $180 million expansion project expected to open between late 2028 and early 2029.
The hospital, located near Ben White Boulevard and South First Street, began as a community hospital in 1982 and has grown through multiple expansion projects to become the busiest hospital in the St. David’s HealthCare system in the Austin area.
Laird said the construction improvements are intended to support future growth and enhance hospital services.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of our patients, visitors, and colleagues as we complete these important facility improvements,” he said.
Hospital officials did not provide a timeline for reopening the kitchen but said pest-control operations and enhanced cleaning measures remain in place.
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