10 hospital staff suspended after patient dies of unexplained injury

Ten hospital staff have been suspended and a police investigation is underway into the death of an 88-year-old woman in Wales following an “unexplained and serious injury”.

The woman died at the Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil on Wednesday after she sustained the injury at Cynon Valley Hospital last week.

Cwm Taf University Health Board told ITV News that the 10 staff had been suspended as a “precautionary measure”. They were on duty the night before and morning after the woman was hurt.

“On Thursday morning, as part of routine patient care, a patient at Ysbyty Cwm Cynon was identified as having an unexplained injury,” the health board said in a statement.

“Appropriate arrangements were made for transfer to Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil. As is always the case in such a situation, the Health Board initiated a multi-agency strategy meeting to be held to consider the circumstances. This took place the following day.

“Staff on duty at the time are in the process of being interviewed to assist the investigation and the family have been kept fully informed of the situation.”

South Wales Police said they were investigating the circumstances and four people were assisting officers with their enquiries.

They added that there was no confirmed link between the patient’s injury and her death.