Neath Port Talbot Hospital and the Princess of Wales Hospital in South Wales have been at the centre of a review after concerns were raised about patient care.
The independent Trusted To Care review highlighted the concerns after the neglect of Lilian Williams, a patient who died as a result of treatment. The 82-year-old from Porthcawl was admitted to both hospitals four times, during these visits her family claimed that she suffered appalling neglect whilst the investigating ombudsman described the case as ‘tragic’.
“Unfortunately Lilian’s story is not an isolated case, and we assist in hundreds of similar cases where the patient has received below standard care,” said Sonia McGarrigle, Solicitor at John Morse Solicitors and Member of the Law Society Clinical Negligence Accreditation Panel.
The review highlighted a series of failings in the care of frail and elderly patients, and documented poor professional behaviour and a complete lack of qualified and motivated staff at both Welsh hospitals.
Despite Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University (ABMU) Health Board apologising for the treatment of Mrs Williams, the catalogue of failings has led campaigners to call for a full public inquiry as hundreds more cases of poor care have been revealed.
Sonia added: “If you or anyone you know has suffered as a result of failings in their care, it is essential to seek advice from a specialist solicitor. Everyone has the right to a good standard of care and cases like this are completely unacceptable.”