Health Secretary launches inquiry over woman 'bitten by a rat' in sheltered housing

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is launching an investigation into claims a bed-ridden 75-year-old woman was bitten by a rat in council-run sheltered housing.

Patricia Hudson, who died three months after the ‘rat attack’ took place had up to 50 bites on her face, body and arms, according to her family.

Mr Hunt said the pictures of the attack which were in the Sun newspaper “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.”

City of York Council which runs Glen Lodge has investigated the claims and concluded it could not determine how Mrs Hudson came by her injuries. Mrs Hudson's daughter Jan Derry told the Sun she thought the rat got trapped in the bed and attacked her mother as it tried to get free.

"Her left elbow was ripped open by the rat’s teeth and there were dozens of teeth marks along her arm.

"The thought of how many times she was bitten is awful," she said.

Mrs Hudson was later transferred to alternative accommodation and died a few months later.

Martin Farran, director of adult social care at City of York Council, said: "We understand that what happened to Mrs Hudson was immensely distressing for all those involved and we have worked closely with, and provided support to Mrs Hudson and her family throughout the extensive investigations into the incident.

"It is with regret that, despite extensive efforts by professional experts, environmental health and independent inspectors, we have been unable to determine the exact circumstances of how Mrs Hudson's injuries occurred.

"Our thoughts are with Mrs Hudson's family, who are understandably distressed by what has happened."