The ‘disgusting’ images have sparked outrage over the crumbling state of NHS buildings – with staff and patients raising claims of rats on site and pigeons inside trauma theatres of another hospital
The images, taken at the Barry Hospital in Wales, show blood dripping from the ceiling and onto the floor
Shocking pictures show blood dripping from the ceiling of a hospital in Wales, where staff have reported seeing rats near an old morgue building.
The “disgusting” images, taken at the Barry Hospital, have sparked outrage over the crumbling state of NHS buildings in South Wales. The hospital is run by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and has now become the topic of fresh concern after a series of earlier scandals. Just weeks ago, a report into the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff found pigeons inside trauma theatres, alongside other serious safety breaches. At Barry Hospital itself, staff and patients have also raised claims of rats on site.
READ MORE: NHS staff lift the lid on appalling conditions with hospitals ‘plagued by rats and cockroaches’ in bombshell reportREAD MORE: ‘I spent 24 hours on a bean bag – A&E has become torture for those in mental health crisis’
Blood was seen coming through the ceilings
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 spotted, Wales Online reports.
The concerning revelation comes after bosses from the same health board were found to have 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. Employees are having to work in these disgusting conditions and have for some time.”
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 on the floor from the ceiling above 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.”
The health board did not confirm where the blood was coming from, or why it was dripping from the ceiling. The building hosts a phlebotomy (blood test) service, minor injuries unit, outpatient clinics, radiology, rehabilitation, and mental health wards for older patients, as well as dental and GP services.
Patients’ watchdog Llais Cymru, set up by the Welsh Government to amplify public voices in healthcare, has been contacted by the Mirror for comment. 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.