AN ABERAERON pensioner fears an unauthorised person took a sample of his blood just before he underwent an operation at Swansea’s Morriston Hospital.

Geoff Dakin, 67, of Ffos-y-ffin, says he was approached by a woman who proceeded to take a blood sample and insert a venlon tube into his inner elbow.

He says the unaccompanied woman did not identify herself and was not carrying any ID and has called on Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board to investigate.

But a spokesperson said they had no reason to believe that any unauthorised person had been involved. The health board has, however, issued new advice to junior doctors, telling them to introduce themselves to patients.

“The ward in question is supported by a team of junior doctors; these doctors vary in grade and experience, but they are not medical students and do not need to be supervised carrying out routine tasks,” the board spokesperson added.

In response, Mr Dakin said: “In a sense that’s even worse than the notion of an unidentified person walking around a hospital. If they’re insisting this woman was a junior doctor, then why can’t they identify her? It’s like dealing with MI5.”

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