Hospital's Cockroach Infestation Shuts Cafeteria for Disinfecting

A California hospital's cafeteria cockroach infestation forced a shutdown so the dining facility could be "thoroughly cleaned and disinfected."

Providence St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica issued a statement saying the cafeteria was closed after a "small number" of cockroaches were reported there, according to KNBC-TV.

However, West Hollywood Patch.com said the health center's cafeteria was "red tagged" by the Los Angeles County Department of Health last Thursday and was being "thoroughly cleaned and disinfected."

The website said hospital visitors were given a list of nearby restaurants and the cafeteria would need to pass an inspection to reopen.

Los Angeles County health inspectors found "at least 10 live cockroaches" inside the cafeteria last week, said CBSLA.com.

"The kitchen has been closed for two days to safely and effectively manage the problem, under the guidance of county health officials," said a hospital news release, per KNBC-TV. "We expect to reopen Saturday.

"Saint John's apologizes for the inconvenience to our visitors, physicians and staff and, while it's difficult to control these natural occurrences, pledges continued diligence in ensuring cleanliness and safety." 

The hospital said meals served to patients continued as scheduled because those are prepared in another portion of the health center.

CBSLA.com noted that St. John's Health Center has treated stars like Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, and Ronald Reagan since it was founded in 1942.

Health center visitor Shalimi Verma told KNBC-TV she was surprised by the news that the cafeteria was shut down.

"This is not a Third World country or a developing country," said Verma. "They should always be proactively taking steps that there is no sort of roach problem or any potential infectious disease problem."

KNBC-TV said the St. John's cafeteria incident happened several months after The Joint Commission, which conducts thorough inspections of California's hospitals every 18 to 36 months, gave the health center passing marks in a four-day survey.

St. John's officials said continued hot weather was the blamed for driving bugs into buildings looking for food and water.


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