Jeremy Hunt has ordered an investigation after a grandmother was allegedly bitten more than 50 times by rats while being cared for in government sheltered housing.
Pamela Hudson, 75, suffered injuries to her face, arms and body after a rat “gnawed” her in Glen Lodge, which offers residents sheltered accommodation with extra care, her daughter Jan Derry claimed.
Ms Derry said her mother, who died a few weeks after the incident, had been “severely” bitten after a rat “was trapped in her bed”.
“Her left elbow was ripped open by the rat’s teeth and there were dozens of teeth marks along her arm,” she told The Sun.
The Health Secretary has promised an investigation after photographs of Mrs Hudson were released.
“These pictures are appalling and show the suffering of a vulnerable woman who, along with her family, was stripped of her dignity and badly let down. Working across government, ministers are ordering an investigation which will be launched in the coming days.
“Whatever the sort of social care provider, patients have a right to expect the highest standards, and that is what we are determined to secure,” Mr Hunt said in a statement.
City of York council said they were “unable to determine the exact circumstances” of the incident, despite “extensive efforts” from investigators.
“Our thoughts are with Mrs Hudson’s family, who are understandably distressed by what has happened,” they added in a statement.
Additional reporting by Press Association
