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Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has apologised after eight patients waiting for pre-arranged eye surgery were turned away from Newport’s Royal Gwent Hospital.

They were due to have operations at the ophthalmology unit when they were told to go home on Monday April 27. 

The health board, which runs the hospital, blamed the cancellations on an error ordering the correct theatre equipment required.

However, a patient, who was turned away from the outpatient appointment and asked not be named, claimed staff said there were no clean instruments to perform the surgery. 

They said: “People had been booked in and treatment started with dilution droplets and staff checking details, but a staff member came out and said no operations could go ahead due to inadequate equipment. Someone asked what did that mean, and the reply was they didn’t have any clean instruments.” 

A health board spokesman confirmed eight patients had their operations cancelled and apologised. 

They said: “We would like to apologise for the disruption caused to the eight patients whose operations were cancelled yesterday at the Royal Gwent Hospital. 

“These cancellations were due to an error in the ordering of equipment for our theatres. 

“Affected patients will receive new appointments for their procedures at the earliest opportunity. 

“We have undertaken an investigation to ensure we learn from this incident so that patients in the future are not affected.”

Last month it was revealed 21 patients at the hospital were treated with unsterilised surgical tools during operations and examinations February 25 and 26.

While the mistake was discovered on February 27, patients were not told until Monday March 16.

The health board apologised and said it was taking “precautionary steps” to support those affected.