NURSES from Neath Port Talbot Hospital are being sent to work in Bridgend by taxi it has been revealed.

And, astonishingly, agency nurses from Cardiff are being employed at Neath Port Talbot Hospital to fill the void — all at the expense of the taxpayer.

The revelation came as it was confirmed a pre-discharge ward closed at the hospital in November was being used to cope with the demand for beds.

An employee at the Port Talbot hospital said staff were furious with the situation.

"Since the ward closed, a number of nurses were sent to work in Bridgend," she said. "Those without a way of getting there are ferried by taxi every day."

"But the pre-discharge ward is being used again and agency nurses are coming in form Cardiff to deal with patients.

"Staff are furious, because that ward was closed to cut costs, and money is being thrown away on agency staff and taxis.

"It's ridiculous."

Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board confirmed relocated staff had been offered help to reach work.

A spokesman from ABM University Health Board said: "Staff formerly based at the pre-discharge ward have been re-deployed to various locations within the health board.

"Some members of staff are covering positions in clinical areas temporarily until they accept a full-time position that matches their skills."

He added: "Under national NHS guidelines, protection arrangements will be in place so the staff do not suffer any detriment because of the changes."

In November, the Post reported the closure of the ward, which had in the region of 15 and 20 beds, designed to help patients' rehabilitation before returning home.

ABM University Health Board said the decision was taken after an extensive examination of the service by staff.

But the decision did not go down well with staff.

"I do not understand how they can justify opening up beds again in the ward," one hospital employee said. "Agency nurses cost more to bring in than the staff we already had.

"It is such a waste of money."

However, the health board hopes the measure is only temporary.

The ABM spokesman added: "The pre-discharge ward has not reopened.

"Our expanded intermediate care team, who managed the ward at the hospital, continue to care for patients at home and in the community rather than in a costly hospital bed that is not the best place for their rehabilitation. He added: "However, hospitals across the NHS in Wales are extremely busy at the moment, and Neath Port Talbot Hospital is no different.

"We are currently seeing a very high number of medically ill patients, particularly the elderly.

"In response to the extra pressure from emergency patients, our clinical teams have opened additional beds temporarily in this vacated ward area for their patients.

"The area is being staffed by specialist nursing staff, including medical staff working additional shifts, and bank and agency staff when required.

"This short-term arrangement will be reviewed this week."