A major investigation into Wales's largest hospital has exposed a harrowing picture of systemic failure, linking the tragic death of a newborn baby to a dilapidated and unsanitary environment plagued by pigeon faeces, sewage leaks, and chronic understaffing.
A Hospital in a State of Disrepair
Patients and staff at Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales have described conditions as an "absolute nightmare." Shocking evidence reveals filthy hallways, collapsed roofs, and unsanitary rubbish left in the open. Staff report buckets placed throughout the first floor to catch water leaking from the ceiling.
One staff member told investigators the site is "full of pigeons nesting" in underground tunnels referred to as "the catacombs." On several occasions, pigeons have been found inside trauma theatres and theatre corridors, posing a severe infection risk.
The dire state of the infrastructure has directly impacted patient care. One daughter recounted how her critically ill 80-year-old father was twice transported through "disgusting" tunnels flooded in places and strewn with bird faeces, rubbish, and discarded medical items. She was forced to cover him with a coat to protect him from ceiling leaks.
A Tragic Death and Systemic Failures
The investigation follows the death of four-week-old Lakshith Guptha Nalla on May 11, 2024. An inquest at Pontypridd Coroners' Court heard the baby died in the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit after being left underfed and lying on cold, damp bedsheets.
Coroner Rachel Knight cited "persistent and gross understaffing" as a key factor. The unit was so short-staffed that nurses were looking after twice the recommended number of patients. This led to a catastrophic chain of errors involving nurse Pasqualina Mollo.
Baby Lakshith, who was prescribed constant feed, had his tube disconnected for a cuddle. Due to "chaotic" stocking systems, no replacement lines were available. An hour and a half later, Nurse Mollo, "in a rush" to assist another delivery, fitted the new tube incorrectly. For four hours, the vulnerable baby received no food.
No one noticed he had developed an infection or that he was lying on cold, wet bedding. Crucial paperwork, including observations between 4pm and 5pm on May 9, was missing. By 6pm that day, staff discovered the feeding tube was leaking and the baby was hypoglycaemic, cold, and suffering from metabolic and respiratory acidosis.
Morale at 'All-Time Low' and Political Fallout
The findings come just two weeks after 300 consultants warned hospital bosses that staff morale was at an "all-time low," exacerbated by the crumbling estate. The health board acknowledged the issues are "indicative of an ageing estate" and stated plans are in place to install a new roof.
Politically, the Welsh Government faces fierce criticism. The Conservative Party and Plaid Cymru have accused it of not doing enough to address the crisis at the hospital.
A spokeswoman for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: "We appreciate that hospitals aren't always the most comfortable environments for patients... We strongly encourage any patients who have concerns during their care to speak directly with staff." The board pledged to continue monitoring all issues.
