Jeremy Hunt orders investigation after elderly woman 'bitten by rats' in sheltered housing
Pamela Hudson, 75, suffered injuries to her face, arms and body after a rat 'gnawed' her in Glen Lodge, York
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Health Secretary, 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
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments