AN urgent inquiry has been demanded into Welsh NHS standards after an elderly patient suffered serious neglect at two hospitals.
Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board has apologised over her treatment at Neath Port Talbot Hospital and Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend.
She had been admitted to the hospitals on three separate occasions between August 2010 and November 2012, when she died.
The situation has led Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies to call for an inquiry like the Keogh review which has put 11 English NHS trusts in to special measures.
He said: "I believe we do need a Keogh inquiry similar to what has gone on in England to address the very real concerns in our hospitals so that we can have confidence that health boards, clinicians and families are having their concerns addressed and structures are put in place so we don't get some of the terrible stories that are emanating out of England."
But the Welsh Government has completely rejected the suggestion.
The family, who lodged a complaint with the hospital on the elderly patient's first admission, said they were deeply distressed at the way she was treated.
One relative, who did not wish to be named, said: "We sat by her bedside until her tongue swelled up and cracked and her lips split open for want of hydration."
Another family member added: "It was absolutely appalling."
An ABM University Health Board spokeswoman said it had apologised to the family and added: "ABMU continually strives to provide top quality care for all our patients, but unfortunately there are times when care can fall short of the high standards we set ourselves.
"This is completely unacceptable, and we apologise to the family of this patient for shortcomings in her care."
