Chaotic scenes in A&E with patients 'stripped of dignity'

WHISTLEBLOWERS at Swansea's A&E unit have written to a watchdog calling for action on “serious and immediate patient safety risks”.

- CONOR GOGARTY

The letter from anonymous staff alleges “unsafe working practices” in the emergency department at Morriston Hospital.

They claim “corridor nursing” is stripping patients of dignity and risking infections while there are alleged to be “critical shortages’ of nurses and support staff. The conditions have led to increased sickness and burnout among staff, according to the letter.

It was addressed to Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, which told us it is reviewing the information to decide “appropriate next steps”.

Swansea Bay University Health Board said the hospital was experiencing “an exceptionally busy period” as staff work under “immense pressure” Last month Morriston declared it was in the highest category of emergency pressure for the first time since March 2025.

It is understood A&E overcrowding has been worsened by patients taking up beds when they may not need them - a problem linked to delays with offloading to care homes or social care assessments.

The health board said it was working with local councils to speed up the discharge of patients who no longer need a hospital bed.