'Disgusting' moment blood drips from ceiling of NHS hospital in worrying pictures

Pictures have emerged of the "disgusting" moment blood was spotted dripping from the ceiling of a NHS hospital.

The images were captured at Barry Hospital, which is operated by the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. It is the latest evidence showing the sorry state of some hospital buildings run by the health board.

A report into the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff revealed pigeons were found in trauma theatres among a raft of other serious concerns at the NHS facility.

As well as the images of the blood dripping from the ceiling, there have been claims of rats at the Barry site. Cardiff and Vale University Health Board apologised for the situation at the facility on Colcot Road, saying "immediate steps" were taken to make the area safe and clean for patient use after the dripping blood was reported.

WalesOnline reports the relative of a staff member, who did not want to be identified, said: "I would like you to be aware of working conditions in Barry Hospital.

"Rats in ceilings, blood dripping from the ceiling onto the floor where patients are sitting. Employees are having to work in these disgusting conditions and have for some time."

He added: "The rats can be heard moving around in the ceilings and the blood that had dropped on to the floor from one of the rooms was in a consultation room.

"It was actually spotted by a patient. Rats have been seen by members of staff near the old morgue building."

When presented with the photographs, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board responded with a statement: "We are very sorry to hear about the concerns raised regarding the condition of one of our consulting rooms at Barry Hospital.

"As soon as the issues were brought to our attention, colleagues on site promptly informed our estates team, who responded quickly and worked closely with staff to address the situation.

"Immediate steps were taken to ensure the area was clean, safe, and suitable for patient use.

"The delivery of safe, high-quality care to our patients is of paramount importance to us. This incident does not reflect the standards we strive to uphold.

"We strongly encourage any patients who have concerns during their care to speak directly with staff in the clinical area. Alternatively, concerns can be raised with our dedicated Concerns Team, who can provide a direct response to patients and their families."

It remains unclear, and the health board failed to clarify, the source or cause of the dripping blood.