Seven Princess of Wales Hospital nurses suspended in records inquiry

Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board confirmed a further seven nurses had been suspended

Seven nurses have been suspended on suspicion of falsifying records at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, it has emerged.

It comes after South Wales Police had previously arrested three other nurses there on suspicion of neglect following claims notes had been falsified.

The three have been released on bail and the criminal inquiry is continuing.

Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board confirmed a further seven nurses had been suspended.

The BBC understands the action was taken some time ago.

In a statement a spokeswoman said in early 2013 "internal systems" had "picked up alleged anomalies regarding the record keeping of a small number of nurses".

Public inquiry call

"The health board notified the police and a criminal investigation (still ongoing) was then launched," it read.

"As a result, three nurses were arrested and bailed and a further seven were suspended on suspicion of falsifying records."

A review was set up by the Welsh government after concerns emerged about standards of care at the health board and campaigners have been calling for a full public inquiry and the resignation of the board's chief executive, Paul Roberts.

An investigation by BBC Wales last summer highlighted significant concerns about the care of pensioner Lilian Williams, of Porthcawl, at the Princess of Wales and Neath-Port Talbot hospital.

Her family claimed she suffered "appalling" neglect between 2010 and her death in November 2012.

The health board subsequently apologised and claimed the case had been "completely unacceptable".

The board said it would be inappropriate to make any further comment.