The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has raised with the First Minister the concerns of families and relatives about the treatment of patients in hospitals within the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board area, supporting their call for a public inquiry into the alleged neglect.
Mr Black raised the issue following his attendance at a public meeting at the Heronstone Hotel last Thursday to which over 100 people came to relate their experiences. Many told of relatives being neglected on wards and left for hours in squalid conditions. Although an inquiry has been initiated by the Welsh Government, the unanimous view of relatives was that it was too limited in its scope and does not give them the opportunity to outline their experiences of hospital.
“Having listened to the many examples at that meeting I was convinced that the only way forward is an independent public inquiry,” said Mr. Black. “That will provide an opportunity to explore all the issues, both current and historical in depth and ensure that proper procedures and resources are put in place to prevent mistakes being repeated.
“Unfortunately, the First Minister refused to consider a public inquiry at this time. He was concerned with the cost implications of setting one up. I will continue to work with relatives and other Assembly Members to press the case for am independent inquiry, which I remain convinced is the only way to address the many issues that are now being brought forward.”
