Nerf bullets and food among objects removed from patients

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 11:01 · Archive

Berkshire hospitals removed a Nerf bullet, boiled egg and Coke can from patients' rectums, new data has revealed. Berkshire records also list a potato, deodorant bottle and toilet brush handle removed in one go, alongside cucumbers, courgettes, grapes and an apple.

The information came from over 100 Freedom of Information requests sent to hospital trusts by the Press Association, asking for details of rectal foreign bodies treated in A&E and Urgent Care departments since 2022. Other objects recorded nationally included vapes, Lego bricks, television remotes, children's toys, a cocktail stirrer and a bank card. Medical staff in Lewisham and Greenwich removed Lego bricks in balloons, beer and shampoo bottles, a toothbrush and a door handle. Hospitals in the Birmingham area recorded visits involving a phone and a coat hanger. Metal screws, tweezers, razor blades, knives, paper clips and a screwdriver were also listed.

In 2022, more than 1,500 people attended A&E for a foreign body in rectum. Chris Nordstrom, an A&E consultant at Northwick Park Hospital, said: 'Thankfully, incidents of this kind are relatively uncommon but, when they do occur, our priority is to provide safe, compassionate and non-judgmental care.' He added: 'We would always encourage anyone experiencing difficulties to seek medical attention promptly rather than risk further injury.' Only 11 of the 106 trusts receiving requests provided an itemised list; some said they did not hold the information, while others cited cost exemptions.

How it is being reported

• Nerf gun bullet, boiled egg and Coke can removed from patients in BerkshireBerkshire hospitals removed a Nerf bullet, Coke can and egg from patients, with FOI data revealing the strangest objects treated in A&E.Bracknell News · 19 Oct, 10:47
• Nerf gun bullet, boiled egg and Coke can removed from patients in BerkshireBerkshire hospitals removed a Nerf bullet, Coke can and egg from patients, with FOI data revealing the strangest objects treated in A&E.Reading Chronicle · 19 Oct, 10:27

In this story: Berkshire · England · Press Association · Lewisham and Greenwich · Birmingham · Northwick Park Hospital · Chris Nordstrom

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