Staff caught with drugs and pigeons found in operating theatres at University Hospital of Wales
A CULTURE of criminal behaviour, fear and negligence has gone unchallenged at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, according to a shocking new report.
The review, carried out by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, uncovered a disturbing pattern of misconduct and systemic failings within the hospital’s surgical department — including illegal drug possession by staff, theft, and serious breaches of hygiene protocols.
Staff told investigators they were afraid to speak up about wrongdoing, with the department described as having an “atmosphere of fear”. The reluctance to raise concerns meant that even serious misconduct often went unchecked.
One staff member was reportedly found with illegal drugs in a locker. Although the incident was referred to police, no charges were brought — and the individual remains employed following a disciplinary process.
Inspectors found evidence of anaesthetic practitioners leaving operating theatres mid-surgery to use their mobile phones or watch Netflix. Some staff excused this behaviour by saying they often worked through breaks and needed to eat or drink in the anaesthetic room.
Basic hygiene standards were also found to be routinely ignored. Infection control was compromised as staff wore jewellery, nail varnish and incorrect PPE, and in some cases failed to maintain “bare below the elbows” protocols. Mask-wearing was also inconsistent.
Cleanliness was below acceptable levels, with repeated incidents of pigeons entering trauma theatres and corridors — raising concerns about infection risk in supposedly sterile environments.
In one shocking claim, a separate investigation is now under way into allegations that members of the public were allowed to enter operating theatres to observe surgery.
The review involved more than a third of staff working in the hospital’s 39 operating theatres. It covered 15 theatres where around 10,700 operations — including 7,000 emergencies — are carried out each year.
The report also referenced an anonymous complaint of racism made to the Nursing and Midwifery Council. The staff member accused was suspended during the investigation, but no further action was taken due to a lack of evidence.
In a joint statement, Suzanne Rankin and Paul Bostock from the health board described the findings as “very disappointing and concerning”. They apologised and said action had already been taken, with further steps to follow.
“All colleagues directly involved in theatres will receive a copy of the report,” they said, “and will be supported by face-to-face briefings with the chief operating officer and senior leaders.”
But opposition politicians have called for accountability at the highest levels. South Wales Central MS Andrew RT Davies slammed Labour Senedd ministers and their Plaid Cymru allies for “tolerating criminality and chaos” in the NHS.
“This is a damning indictment of Labour ministers’ record running Welsh hospitals,” he said. “While they focused on adding more politicians to the Senedd, they ignored our struggling NHS. The people of Wales deserve far better.”
