A new report by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) into older people’s mental health services at Llandough Hospital, part of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, highlights unacceptable failings despite recognising the compassionate care delivered by staff.
Inspectors found that patients were treated with kindness and respect, but identified concerning issues affecting some of the hospital’s most vulnerable patients.
Natasha Asghar MS, shadow minister for health and social care, said: “While it’s really reassuring to read about the compassionate care that older patients are receiving at Llandough Hospital, but there are clearly a number of areas where performance is not good enough.
“Staff on the wards are clearly working hard under difficult circumstances and deserve recognition for the compassionate care they provide.
“However, failures in leadership, maintenance, housekeeping and governance are not acceptable and must be addressed by the health board as a matter of urgency.”
The report criticised inadequate safeguarding of personal belongings, poor cleanliness, environmental hazards, and weaknesses in infection prevention.
HIW also noted that orientation aids essential for dementia care, such as clocks displaying the correct time and date, were not being reliably maintained.
Of particular concern were findings that patients’ valuables were being stored in controlled drugs cupboards without appropriate security arrangements.
The systems for recording, tracking, and returning property were found to be insufficiently robust.
HIW concluded that staffing pressures, environmental issues and insufficient domestic support were placing additional strain on clinical staff and reducing the time available for direct patient care.
Ms Asghar said: “People living with dementia are among the most vulnerable patients in our health service and there is clearly scope to improve their care.
“The health board must demonstrate clear progress on cleanliness, patient safety, dementia-friendly environments and leadership accountability.
“Families need reassurances that these shortcomings are being addressed.”
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said it welcomed the HIW findings and is committed to acting on the recommendations.
A spokesman said: “We welcome the findings from Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) following its recent inspection of Mental Health Services for Older People at University Hospital Llandough.
“HIW plays an important role in providing independent and impartial assessments of the quality and safety of healthcare services and we value the opportunity to learn from their findings and identify areas where we can continue to improve.
“The report recognises several positive aspects of care, including the kindness, compassion and professionalism demonstrated by colleagues, the strong multidisciplinary approach to care planning, effective safeguarding arrangements and the commitment shown by colleagues to supporting some of our most vulnerable patients.
“The inspection also identified areas where improvements are required.
“Immediate concerns raised during the inspection were addressed at the time and we have developed comprehensive improvement plans to ensure the recommendations made by HIW are implemented and sustained.”
The health board confirmed it is strengthening environmental standards, infection prevention and control, audits, workforce development, and governance.
It is also working to improve patient flow and discharge planning, along with upgrading therapeutic environments for older people.
