Distressing Incident at Ysbty Glan Clwyd Hospital
A distressed elderly woman died alone in an Accident & Emergency (A&E) corridor at Ysbty Glan Clwyd hospital in north Wales, reportedly in full view of other patients waiting for treatment, according to a visitor's account.
Nadia Wainwright, who was present at the hospital, described witnessing the woman’s final moments before a paramedic intervened and covered her face with a blanket after she had passed away.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board stated that it could not comment on individual patient circumstances but acknowledged that the incident would have been "deeply upsetting" for those present.
A Welsh Government spokeswoman confirmed that they are "seeking assurance" from the health board regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Witness Account of the Incident
Nadia Wainwright expressed that she was "deeply shocked" by the event, which occurred in an "extremely overcrowded" A&E department filled with patients seated in chairs and lying in beds along the corridors.
She recounted how her family noticed the "elderly, frail woman" lying alone in the corridor opposite them while Nadia was accompanying her unwell partner in the department.
"My mother-in-law and I noticed that the patient did not seem to be moving," Nadia said.
She added that when a paramedic walked past, they attempted to get his attention because the woman "appeared to be in distress and was making grunting noises" but did not seem to be receiving any assistance.
"The paramedic then realised that she had passed away and began shouting for staff assistance, and it then took approximately five minutes for staff to respond and attend to the patient. During this time, the paramedic pulled the blanket over her face," she explained.
Nadia emphasized that the woman had died alone in the corridor without privacy or anyone holding her hand.
"She had passed away alone in the corridor with no privacy and no one holding her hand."
Concerns About Patient Care and Hospital Conditions
Nadia acknowledged the "huge pressure" faced by NHS staff but stressed that "no patient, especially an elderly and vulnerable person should be left alone in a corridor."
"This was extremely upsetting for us to witness, especially as I have never seen a deceased person before," she said. "I can't stop thinking about it. I'm so angry. It was absolutely chaotic there."
She also noted that her mother helped another elderly woman in her 80s within the A&E department by assisting her to empty her catheter, get a drink, and contact her family.
"Some of the managers and directors of the health board should spend some time on these corridors. Perhaps they could sit with these patients. No one should be left to die unattended like that."
Reactions from Local Officials
Tremeirchion councillor Chris Evans commented on the situation, stating:
"There is no way that anybody should be dying in a corridor while staff are walking past."
He further remarked that despite investment into Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, the "problem isn't getting sorted" and that "people are dying without any dignity."
Rhyl councillor Brian Jones described the incident as:
"Another horrific example of the flaws in A&E in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board."
Health Board Response
Angela Wood, the board's executive director of nursing and midwifery, acknowledged the distress caused by witnessing medical emergencies or critically unwell patients.
"We recognise that witnessing a medical emergency or a patient who is critically unwell can be deeply upsetting," she said. "The health board is committed to providing care with dignity, compassion, and respect and corridor care is not something we want for our patients."
She added that sometimes patients do not receive the standard of environment or experience desired, and the board is committed to addressing these issues.
Ms. Wood confirmed that the health board has been in direct contact with the individual who posted about the incident on social media and will be discussing the circumstances in more detail.
Welsh Government Statement
A Welsh Government spokesperson stated:
"We are aware of the social media post and are seeking assurance from the health board on the circumstances."
The spokesperson emphasized that delivering care in undesignated or non-clinical environments is unacceptable as it compromises patient dignity, safety, and staff wellbeing.
"Delivery of care in undesignated or non-clinical environments is not acceptable and compromises patient dignity, safety, and staff wellbeing."
The Welsh Government aims to end this practice through system-wide reform and has clearly outlined expectations for health boards to reduce avoidable harm.
They also noted that an additional £200 million has been allocated to address pressures facing NHS Wales.
