Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) has condemned individuals it describes as "urban explorers" who allegedly broke into two hospital sites and shared footage online. The health board said a number of people entered secure areas at St Cadoc's Hospital in Caerleon and St Woolos Hospital in Newport, where sensitive information, including historic patient records, is stored.
The health board said it has been forced to increase security as a result of the "distressing" incidents, which it described as "unacceptable." Gwent Police is understood to be investigating. The health board reiterated that the hospitals are not abandoned, but are functioning medical settings with staff and vulnerable patients on site.
Health board condemns 'urban explorers'
Health board bosses said it was unacceptable that people had entered secure areas of the hospitals in order to "create content for social media." Some areas accessed included locations where historic patient records are stored, a spokesperson said. The health board said protecting patient information and maintaining the security of records is of the "utmost importance."
The health board said extra security costs come "at a cost to the health board and represents public funds that would otherwise be available to support patient services, particularly as we remain in a critical incident due to operational pressures."
Police investigation and response
ABUHB said it is working with Gwent Police to support their investigation and is also in contact with the Information Commissioner's Office. Jenny Winslade, executive director of nursing and deputy chief executive at the health board, said: "Like many of our staff and patients, I was deeply concerned and upset to learn that individuals unlawfully entered areas of St Cadoc's Hospital and St Woolos Hospital again over the weekend and then shared the footage online."
"To be clear, these are hospitals with vulnerable patients and staff, and not abandoned buildings as is being claimed. These hospitals care for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Patients and their families rightly expect to feel safe, secure, and treated with dignity when they are in our care. Seeing individuals accessing clinical environments illegally is understandably distressing for patients, families, and staff alike."
"This has also been extremely upsetting for our staff working on these sites. Our staff come to work every day to care for others, and incidents like this can leave people feeling anxious and concerned about their own safety and security. Nobody should feel like this. We want to be clear that individuals gained entry unlawfully, and there is now a criminal investigation by the police. We have already increased security measures across both sites to provide additional reassurance and protection."
"While these measures are necessary, they come at a significant cost and require resources that would always be better directed towards patient care and supporting our communities. Our focus remains on keeping our patients, families, and staff safe, and we will continue to work closely with the police and other partners as their investigation progresses."
