THE health board says it is investigating after a dementia patient left Panteg Hospital on June 29 and remains missing.

Ron Bowman, 74, from Newport, was a patient on the hospital's psychiatric ward and left there at 5.45pm.

His wife Irene, and sons Nick and Martyn, said Mr Bowman was seen leaving the hospital at around 6pm that night by a porter who thought he was a visitor.

The family said they don't want anyone to go through what they have and so have contacted a solicitor to find out more about how Mr Bowman was able to leave the hospital.

They said they want changes to its procedures.

A spokesman for the Aneurin Bevan Health Board said: "We share the concerns of the family and friends of Mr Bowman and our hope is that he is safe, and is found very soon. In cases where a patient leaves a ward where they are being treated and cared for an internal investigation would always take place. Whilst we are confident at this stage that every possible precaution was taken to ensure Mr Bowman's safety, the matter will be fully investigated and we will liaise closely with the family in relation to our findings."

Mr Bowman is described as six feet tall, of slim build and bald but with grey hair around the sides of his head.

He was wearing a white T-shirt and brown trousers.

Anyone who might have seen Mr Bowman should call Gwent Police on 101.