St. David’s South Austin Medical Center is experiencing a rat problem.
An anonymous tip to the Statesman’s newstips@statesman.com inbox said “the entire hospital has a well-established rat infestation causing significant issues for patients and staff” and pointed to rats being spotted throughout the building.
St. David’s South Austin’s rodent infestation was discovered during a construction project “in an isolated area that was disrupted during construction,” said Charles Laird, the CEO of the hospital.
St. David’s South Austin, at Ben White Boulevard and South First Street, started a construction project this spring to build a new four-story tower southwest of the existing hospital. The tower will expand the number of beds at the hospital and add a rehabilitation unit. The project also will improve the hospital’s utilities infrastructure. The $180 million expansion is expected to open between late 2028 and early 2029.
“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.
Meals are being prepared offsite and delivered to the hospital. The hospital also commissioned rotating food trucks to provide meals for staff and visitors.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of our patients, visitors and colleagues as we complete these important facility improvements,” Laird said.