A CANTEEN at a Belfast hospital has been forced to close for almost two weeks due to a "pest control issue".
Management at Musgrave Park hospital, which is a specialist facility for orthopaedic patients and those with an acquired brain inquiry, had to shut a public restaurant on June 5 after concerns were reported.
The Belfast health trust, which is responsible for Musgrave, last night stressed that "at no time" were catering services provided to patients "in any way affected".
It is understood there may have been an issue with rats in the area and Belfast City Council was contacted.
Building work is currently being carried out close to the site.
A trust spokesman said: "We identified and swiftly resolved a pest control issue at Musgrave Park Hospital, confined to a public restaurant.
"Pest control measures identified the issue quickly and the restaurant was closed. Belfast Trust worked closely with environmental health officers...
"We remain confident we have robust arrangements in place to deal effectively with any such incidents which may occur from time to time."
The canteen is expected to re-open today.
