Hospital bosses at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, managed by the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, are facing scrutiny for their lack of transparency regarding the impact of roof leaks on the hospital premises. Last week, it was announced that sections of the hospital had to be closed due to water leaking through the roof, affecting patient care areas. Some patients had to be relocated to alternative wards, and outpatient appointments had to be rescheduled. The health board has urged individuals to attend appointments unless directly contacted about disruptions.
The exact extent of the disruption and its consequences remains undisclosed by the health board, despite requests for information on the number of affected beds, cancelled operations, patient relocations, impacted departments, and closed wards. The health board attributed the urgent need for roof repairs to the recent severe weather exacerbating existing roofing issues. Photos of guttering full of weeds at the hospital further highlight the maintenance challenges faced.
Issues related to water ingress at the hospital have reportedly persisted throughout September, impacting services and patient care. The maternity ward at the Princess of Wales Hospital is currently undergoing urgent works, causing disruptions for expectant mothers. One mother shared her experience of delayed induction due to the overwhelmed maternity unit at Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil. Despite the challenges faced, the health board assures that the maternity area remains unaffected by the leaks, with repair works scheduled for completion by early December.
The health board’s reluctance to disclose the full scope of the disruptions has raised concerns among the public and stakeholders. Patients and staff affected by the situation are encouraged to share their experiences and insights by contacting the provided email address from WalesOnline. As the health board continues to address the ongoing challenges posed by the roof leaks, the community remains vigilant about the hospital’s operational status and patient well-being.
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