The findings were released to coincide with the union's annual conference, beginning in Brighton today.

Pile said: ‘This survey demonstrates how a lack of funding has left the NHS estate in a dreadful mess. Hospitals should make people better, not expose them to harm from rotting rats, raw sewage and dilapidated buildings.

‘Those with the worst problems need immediate access to additional financial support so they can stop the waste and begin putting things right. Investment is essential to bring the NHS up to modern standards and stop it drifting into further decline.'

The survey found:

• 14% aware of vermin inside their workplaces within the past 12 months
• 13% report other infestations such as silverfish, ants, bedbugs and cockroaches
• 15% think their place of work is unsafe
• 40% say they've seen buckets on floors to catch leaking water
• 16% have experienced sewage leaks
• 19% say public toilets in their hospitals have been out of order for extended periods
• 33% reported broken or out-of-order equipment
• 28% told of defective lighting both inside and outside NHS buildings
• 22% were aware of cracked walls or floors
• 5% reported asbestos in their workplace
• 29% say conditions in their place of work had worsened over the past year
• 64% said they remained the same and only 7% had noticed an improvement
• 29% staff said their employers had closed wards and buildings
• 49% said they had no access to affordable, healthy food while on their shifts
• 15% reported they were unable to get drinking water in the workplace.