'Urgent' appointment to run Princess of Wales Hospital

The health board which runs the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend has appointed a director to run the hospital.

Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board says Paul Stauber will take up the role immediately.

The hospital has been under fire in recent months, with complaints about standards of care from patients and their families.

A police investigation is underway, some nurses have been arrested and there are various internal and external reviews.

In a joint letter, the health board's Chair and Chief Executive said the appointment is being made "urgently" to give "increased assurance about the improvements to quality and safety within the hospital in light of recent public concerns."

But the appointment has been dismissed by the newly-formed AMBU Victims Support Group - which represents some of the families unhappy with the standards of care loved ones received at the hospital - as a "cynical ploy."

Gareth Williams, from the group, said "This is an attempt by the management board to avoid the hospital being put in special measures. They must all resign."

Paul Roberts, the Chief Executive of the health board, has apologised for failings at the hospital and says improvements are being made.

Read: Fresh claims of serious neglect at Princess of Wales Hospital