The health board said the incident ‘does not reflect the standards we strive to uphold’
17:50, 28 Aug 2025Updated 10:09, 29 Aug 2025
Barry Hospital(Image: Western Mail)
Pictures have captured the “disgusting” moment blood was spotted dripping from the ceiling of a Welsh hospital. The images were captured at Barry Hospital, which is operated by the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
It is the latest evidence showing the sorry state of some hospital buildings run by the health board. A report into the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff revealed pigeons were found in trauma theatres among a raft of other serious concerns at the NHS facility.
As well as the images of the blood dripping from the ceiling, there have been claims of rats at the Barry site.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board apologised for the situation at the facility on Colcot Road, saying “immediate steps” were taken to make the area safe and clean for patient use after the dripping blood was reported.
The worrying pictures come after it emerged bosses from the same health board previously called in police amid fears sterilised items were being “intentionally damaged” at the University Hospital of Wales.
The relative of a staff member, who did not want to be identified, said: “I would like you to be aware of working conditions in Barry Hospital.
“Rats in ceilings, blood dripping from the ceiling onto the floor where patients are sitting.
Blood drips on the floor from the ceiling above at Barry Hospital
“Employees are having to work in these disgusting conditions and have for some time.” Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here
He added: “The rats can be heard moving around in the ceilings and the blood that had dropped on to the floor from one of the rooms was in a consultation room.
“It was actually spotted by a patient. Rats have been seen by members of staff near the old morgue building.”
Blood drips from the ceiling at Barry Hospital
Shown the photos, the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said in a statement: “We are very sorry to hear about the concerns raised regarding the condition of one of our consulting rooms at Barry Hospital.
“As soon as the issues were brought to our attention, colleagues on site promptly informed our estates team, who responded quickly and worked closely with staff to address the situation.
“Immediate steps were taken to ensure the area was clean, safe, and suitable for patient use.
“The delivery of safe, high-quality care to our patients is of paramount importance to us. This incident does not reflect the standards we strive to uphold.
“We strongly encourage any patients who have concerns during their care to speak directly with staff in the clinical area. Alternatively, concerns can be raised with our dedicated Concerns Team, who can provide a direct response to patients and their families.”
It is not clear, and the health board did not confirm, from where or why the blood was dripping.
A phlebotomy (blood test) service is run from Barry Hospital. Also at the unit is a minor accident and injuries unit and various outpatient clinics are run from the building.
Barry Hospital also runs radiology and rehabilitation services, and has mental health wards for older people. It also offers dental services, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. GP and out-of-hours services are also run from the building.
Llaith Cymru, the independent statutory body, set up by the Welsh Government to give patients much more say in NHS services, was approached for comment. The body said it was the appropriate body to contact regarding concerns such as those at Barry Hospital, but it did not respond to the concerns about blood dripping in an area used by patients.
Llais Cymru says on its website that it wants to hear people’s views and experiences to help deliver better health and social care services.