Multiple buckets being used to collect rainwater on maternity ward and in theatres at Wales' largest hospital

Inspectors who visited the maternity services at Wales' largest hospital raised concerns about processes to ensure the safety and security of babies, a report has revealed. During an inspection at Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales, inspectors raised concerns about the processes safety and security of babies, and sought immediate assurances from staff surrounding the security measures that were in place.

A report from Healthcare Inspectorate Wales revealed that an unannounced inspection was carried out over three days in March 2024. Inspectors visited the delivery suite, birth centre, maternity wards providing pre and postnatal care as well as the surgical theatres. Concerns surrounding the safety and security of babies were addressed during the visit.

Infection control, medicine management and buckets of rainwater on the ward were also highlighted as areas of concerns by inspectors. While improvements had been made following the previous inspection in March 2023, inspectors sought immediate reassurances over several non-compliance concerns regarding patient safety during the inspection.

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The report listed concerns around the security measures that were in place to ensure that babies were kept safe and secure, as well as inconsistent daily checks of lifesaving equipment, the management of controlled drugs and the increased infection risks. One of the infection risks identified was to ensure birth partners wore scrubs in the theatre.

Inspectors also identified "several safety concerns in relation to the physical environment of the unit" mainly concerning the fact that many rooms have buckets that collect rainwater. WalesOnline has previously reported that the unit experiences leaks after heavy rain fall, as well as other parts of the hospital.

The report sadi: "Staff advised us of ongoing issues relating to a leaking flat roof and multiple buckets of rainwater in corridors, including the theatre rooms. We reviewed some evidence that these ongoing issues had been escalated and risk assessed."

Staff morale has increased following the inspection last year, however, and inspectors were pleased to see that the experienc of black, Asian, and minority ethnic patients had also improved. Staffing levels have also improved since the previous year.

The report added: "A relatively new management structure was in place, and managers appeared approachable and visible within the unit. Feedback from staff indicated that morale had increased, and communication had also improved. However, some staff told us they felt that challenges around staffing levels made it difficult for them to conduct their duties properly." For the latest health and Covid news, sign up to our newsletter here

Alun Jones, Chief Executive of Healthcare Inspectorate Wales said: "It was positive to see improvement has been made since our previous inspection, with many instances of good practice. The highlighted issues of immediate concern must be addressed to ensure the quality of care provided to women and birthing people continues to improve. We will continue to engage with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board to ensure timely progress against our findings."

A spokesperson for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: “The Health Board welcomes the feedback from the Healthcare Inspectorate Wales in their recent report of the Maternity Unit at the University Hospital of Wales.

“It is encouraging to see the resilience and commitment of the team recognised by the Inspectorate who have worked tirelessly to improve services and experiences of women, babies and their families since the previous inspection one year ago.

“Workforce levels remain a challenge but it was recognised through speaking to colleagues that this has improved in the last 12 months.

“The report also highlighted two areas as noteworthy practice which includes the large colourful and engaging mural representing the diversity of women that accessed the Unit, and the ELAN team which provides a specialist service for pregnant women seeking sanctuary, experiencing mental health problems, young parents and survivors of trauma. It is positive that these examples have been highlighted as it showcases the important work the team are doing to support the diverse communities across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.

“While the Health Board recognises the environment still poses significant challenges due to an ageing infrastructure, it is welcoming to see the work that has taken place to improve privacy and dignity of women recognised in the report, with further remedial works to take place in the coming months.

“The Health Board would like to express its thanks to all colleagues within Maternity Services for continuing to provide safe and effective services for women, babies and the families and thank you to the women who have shared their experiences.”