Issues persist at maternity services at Singleton Hospital, run by Swansea Bay University Health Board, but inspectors note improvements in leadership.
Concerns remain at a scandal-hit maternity hospital, with overworked staff and checks not being fully carried out on crucial equipment.
The latest inspection at Singleton Hospital, in Swansea, found that restricted visiting hours and limited staff availability affected mothers and babies receiving timely support.
Staff were also visibly overworked, feedback from an employee survey found, and communication could also be improved.
This is the third inspection since 2023, when serious safety concerns were raised, and the maternity and neonatal services were placed into enhanced monitoring by the Welsh government.
And a separate report published in 2025, based on 500 people’s experiences, highlighted the need for continued cultural, clinical and leadership improvements.
The report, from Llias, an independent body which represents patients in Wales, described how many mothers felt unheard, unsupported or unsafe at different stages of their journey: especially during labour, after birth, or when trying to raise concerns.
Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) has continued to monitor the site and visited the hospital over three days in February, also sending a survey out to families.
Inadequate staffing levels
Staff spoke of being well supported but raised concerns about workload pressure and professional development, with only a minority feeling staffing levels were adequate and that they had received appropriate mentorship.
They also wanted to see improvements in training and help for those moving on to the next stage of their careers.
Inspectors found that check logs for newborn resuscitation equipment were not being consistently completed on the labour ward, meaning there was a risk the machines might not work in an emergency. Daily reminders have since been issued, and the equipment was checked at the time to make sure it was working.
Progress was noted by inspectors in some areas, with significant developments in the quality of handovers, midwifery-led scanning and processes at the antenatal assessment unit.
There was said to be a “clear commitment” to staff engagement, quality care and continuous improvement within the leadership at the hospital.
“This inspection shows that continued progress is beginning to make a difference at Singleton Hospital, with clear improvements in leadership, risk identification and management, and the quality of care women experience,” HIW chief executive Alun Jones said.
“We expect the health board to build on the progress made and deliver tangible, measurable improvements for women, babies and families, and we will continue to monitor this closely.”
