A CRY FOR HELP; Midwives' shocking claims about Wales' biggest maternity unit revealed.

Byline: Greg Tindle Health Correspondent

ANGRY midwives have spelt out their fears of working on Wales' biggest maternity unit.

In a confidential report leaked to the Echo today maternity staff issued a cry for help over patient safety, "rock bottom" morale and being "bullied or belittled" by managers.

The damning survey was carried out by Unison, which represents about half the midwives and maternity staff at Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales. It comes two months after the Echo highlighted staff concerns and worrying experiences of mumson the unit, which delivers up to 3,000 babies a year.

This latest survey is understood to have caused a rift among Unison officials - some wanted it kept secret and others wanted their staff concerns to be aired publicly. It polled midwives at their home addresses and found:

Those who reported problems felt frightened, intimidated or that managers were not listening;

Staff to patients ratio can be 1:16;

Midwives feel under great stress "because we are failing women in our care";

There is "always" a shortage of staff which puts pressure on those on duty.

Managers at Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, say an action plan and recruitment drive are in place to address concerns.

Full story: Pages 6-7