A SENEDD Member has accused Cardiff and Vale University Health Board of risking a “cover-up” by refusing to publish the findings of an internal investigation into serious allegations at the University Hospital of Wales.
Earlier this year, it emerged that staff at the Heath had invited friends and relatives into operating theatres to watch live surgery without patients’ consent. The revelations prompted a health board-led inquiry.
However, officials have confirmed that the results of the investigation will not be made public, describing it as an “HR process” — a stance that has fuelled anger and suspicion.
Concerns over transparency
Andrew RT Davies MS, Senedd Member for South Wales Central and former Welsh Conservative leader, said the decision would only deepen public concern.
“Many service users feared that a health board-led investigation would result in a cover-up, and the failure to share the outcome will only add to those fears,” he said.
“This failing health board has been found wanting in numerous reports, and hiding behind HR processes will do nothing to restore the confidence patients and staff need to have in the senior management team.”
Call for external scrutiny
Mr Davies insisted the investigation should have been conducted by an independent body.
“Even now, there is no reason why the health board should not share the outcome, with appropriate redactions, so service users can understand what happened and why, following the shocking revelations at the Heath hospital earlier this year,” he added.
“If the health board refuses to release the findings, the Welsh Government must step in, conduct its own investigation, and make the facts public.”
The Herald understands that campaigners and patient groups are already pressing for greater accountability and questioning whether ministers will intervene.
Background of failures
Cardiff and Vale UHB has faced repeated criticism in recent years over governance and patient safety. The latest row comes after a string of damaging reports highlighting serious concerns about leadership, culture and care standards across the Welsh NHS.
Campaigners warn that withholding the Heath inquiry outcome risks sending a clear message: that the health board is more concerned with protecting its reputation than being open with the public.
