A Newport cancer patient found herself spending the night in what felt like a “cupboard” at Royal Gwent Hospital. This unconventional stay was in a tiny side room, as there was no available bed in the overcrowded unit. Her mother described the scene as “something from the Gaza Strip,” with patients sleeping on floors and window sills due to the overcapacity.
The woman, in her 50s and undergoing weekly chemotherapy, went to the hospital after receiving worrying blood test results. Unable to travel herself, her mother asked a neighbour for help. The neighbour took her to the hospital to avoid waiting for an ambulance. Due to her compromised immune system, she needed isolation, resulting in the unique overnight accommodation.
Her mother shared the emotional turmoil, explaining how her daughter and ex-husband, who rushed to be with her, spent the night in plastic chairs. A bed was eventually found for her the next night, offering some relief.
The hospital, facing intense pressures and rising infections, explained that while not ideal, the room was the safest option at the time. They expressed regret for the situation and noted that appropriate care was given under challenging circumstances. The incident highlights growing concerns over NHS capacity and resources, with previous cases of “corridor care” sparking debates on hospital conditions.
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