Hospitals across Berkshire have removed a Nerf bullet, boiled egg and Coke can from patients’ bottoms, new data has revealed.
The items were among thousands of foreign objects removed in hospitals across England.
Berkshire records also list a potato, a deodorant bottle and a toilet brush handle removed in one go. Other objects included cucumbers, courgettes, grapes and an apple.
The information came from over 100 Freedom of Information requests sent to hospital trusts by the Press Association. Trusts were asked 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, south London, removed Lego bricks in balloons, beer and shampoo bottles, a toothbrush and a door handle.
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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, according to Press Association analysis.
Mr Chris Nordstrom, an A&E consultant at Northwick Park Hospital, north-west London, 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.”
Mr Nordstrom continued: “We would always encourage anyone experiencing difficulties to seek medical attention promptly rather than risk further injury.”
Only 11 of the 106 trusts receiving the requests provided an itemised list. Some said they did not hold the information, while others cited cost exemptions.
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