Welsh Conservatives have called for urgent action after Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) identified significant safety concerns at a specialist mental health rehabilitation unit at University Hospital Llandough.
An unannounced three-day inspection of the Llanfair Unit in June 2026 found low compliance with mandatory training, including life support, safeguarding and moving and handling.
HIW said it was not assured that sufficient staff had the competencies required to manage risks safely, resulting in immediate patient and staff safety concerns.
The inspection also identified longstanding problems with the condition of the unit, including mould, ceiling leaks, faulty showers and broken toilet and bathing facilities.
Natasha Asghar MS, Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care, said,
“Patients receiving specialist mental health care should be able to expect properly maintained facilities and trained staff to keep them safe
“HIW has identified serious gaps in staff training, including cases where staff involved in restraint interventions were not compliant with the required aggression management training.
“It is unacceptable that patients and staff have been dealing with longstanding problems including mould, leaks and broken bathroom facilities.
“I recognise there are some positive findings in this report, including praise for the compassion shown by staff at the Llanfair Unit, but the safety concerns must be urgently addressed.
“Cardiff and Vale University Health Board must now deliver the improvements it has promised and patients and their families deserve to see those improvements translated into lasting change.”
