Health chiefs are discussing Cefn Coed's future

The long-awaited new publication was written by the National Centre for Public Policy, University of Wales Swansea in consultation with the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health.

It has condemned some aspects of management at the site.

The claims first came to light when two reports based on the staff opinions were leaked to BBC Wales in 2001.

Workers said they were "often tired, stressed and frustrated" - shortages meant patients were locked in wards for long periods.

Swansea NHS Trust will discuss the claims and form an action plan inn response at a meeting later on Monday, after the official publication of the Sainsbury report.

Millions needed

While it acknowledges some parts of the hospital have made efforts to improve the situation, the report has also recommended a zero-tolerance policy toward drug and alcohol misuse.

It also calls for an end to mixed-sex wards and the inappropriate use of staff.

Some members of the NHS trust's board have said around �40m should be spent to bring mental health services up to acceptable standards.

When the concerns came to light in November, Swansea West AM Alan Pugh said: "Clearly there are very grave issues of the ways in which people are locked up for great lengths of time.

"I know staff have raised issues about their safety, in situations where they could be trapped and under attack by patients.

"Obviously this is only in rare cases, but these issues have to be addressed."

"Unfortunately, these type of conditions are prevalent in a number of hospitals throughout England and Wales," said Claire Williams, from mental health charity Mind Cymru.

"I think the fact these details have come to light by patients being asked directly about the treatments they recieve is a good thing."

"Mind Cymru hopes the patients' voice is heard throughout any plans to bring about changes," added Ms Williams.