Deeside Community Hospital: Inquiry into nursing care

The health board said the investigation was launched due to concerns about patient care

An investigation into nursing care involving patients at a community hospital has been launched by health officials.

A small number of staff at Deeside hospital, Aston, were not undertaking care duties during the inquiry, said Betsi Cadwaladr health board.

The health board stressed that no-one had been suspended.

A spokesperson said concerns had been raised around issues of care, dignity and respect of patients.

"Because of the nature of the claims that have been made it is important that these are investigated properly," added the spokesperson.

"A small number of staff are not currently undertaking patient care duties as it was considered inappropriate for them to remain on duty while the investigations take place.

"Agencies are working together following national POVA (Protection of Vulnerable Adult) procedures to ensure any concerns are properly investigated in a coordinated manner.

"The health board, North Wales Police, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales and the local authority are all part of this process."

Critical reports

It is the latest incident to be raised in the health board's hospitals in recent weeks.

On Tuesday, the health board issued an apology after it was criticised for its handling of a Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection outbreak at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire.

Between January and May this year there were 96 cases of C. diff infection at Glan Clwyd hospital.

At least seven patients who died were found to be carrying the bug.

Last week, the health board was reported to NHS inspectors over incidents of poor patient record keeping.

And the board of management said last month it fully accepted a highly critical report on mismanagement.

The joint report by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales and the Wales Audit Office saw the chairman of the health board and its chief executive step down after the report found a breakdown in their relationship contributed to the failings.

The latest inquiry at the Deeside hospital has meant that admissions to one of the hospital's two wards have been suspended for the time being.

A spokesperson for the health board added: "Additional measures have been put in place to support staff and services in the hospital and to ensure that ongoing provision of high quality patient care.

"As an investigation is now under way it would be inappropriate to make any further comment."

However, the health board also stated that North Wales Police would "take the lead" on any matters of "potential criminality" at the hospital.