Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) claims there is proof that minority ethnic women of color are treated differently at the University Hospital of Wales (UHW).
In November 2022, HIW finished examining the maternity services provided by UHW and issued an urgent improvement notice.
Patient safety concerns were still present when a follow-up inspection was conducted in March.
The Cardiff and Vale University Health Board declared that it accepts the conclusions and "has taken necessary action.".
Inspectors noted that the University Hospital of Wales' maternity services still need "urgent improvement" during the follow-up inspection this year.
The inspectorate reported in November that it had found problems that prevented patients from consistently receiving care that met an "acceptable standard of prompt, safe, and effective care.".
Despite the fact that "improvements had been made in many areas. Significant obstacles were still present, and overall, progress on improvements was not occurring as quickly as was necessary, it said.
According to the report, "We discovered low morale among the staff we spoke with, and similar comments were received following a staff survey.
Inspectors discovered in March that staff members were making a lot of effort to give patients a positive experience despite ongoing pressures on the department.
"Staff were seen giving patients kind and respectful care, and the patients we spoke with were generally satisfied with the treatment they received. ".
The availability and support of staff, however, was said to be a concern for some patients.
According to the statement, "Overall, we were concerned that the culture was not encouraging and did not adequately promote accountability and safe patient care.".
HIW Chief Executive Alun Jones stated that although "some improvements" had been made, "further urgent action was required" due to the "scale of issues and pace of change being insufficient.".
Abigail Holmes, director of midwifery, stated: "We would like to reassure the community that providing safe, efficient, and inclusive care to all women and people giving birth is always our foremost priority.
"As a learning organization, we are open to suggestions for areas to develop while continuing to build on the advancements made thus far.
"We are acutely aware that coworkers work tirelessly in frequently difficult environments and appreciate the heroic effort they make every day to ensure that our patients are well cared for. ".
The health board claimed that since then, it has put into place a number of programs and tactics to enhance the patient experience for patients who are black, Asian, or from other minorities.
