A man spent four nights sleeping on an A&E chair after arriving with a fast-spreading skin condition.
John Evans arrived at Cardiff's University Hospital in Wales with a skin infection spreading across his face.
The 59-year-old said he had experienced the skin problem before, so knew he needed urgent treatment and antibiotics.
But as he waited for a hospital bed to become free, John said he was left on a chair for four nights - despite staff doing their best in tough working conditions.
Speaking about his hospital ordeal, John said: "I was really shocked by the conditions that the patients and staff were in. There was only one toilet to use and no hot food."
Despite the inadequate conditions, John praised the staff for trying their best and being so caring, reports the BBC.
He said: "The staff did a fantastic job and they worked really hard and they're so caring, but they were under real pressure as well.
"There was a sense of helplessness from the staff to the point where they had to just manage their way through a horrific situation, caring for people in this way.
"I'd always believed that the health service was there if I needed it."
Cardiff and Vale health board said it was in touch with Mr Evans and "sincerely" apologised.
In a statement, the board said: "Our services are under extreme pressure due to a number of factors including current staff shortages and the sustained challenges coronavirus presents.
"In addition, health and social care services across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan are experiencing significant and sustained pressures which is impacting the timely discharge of patients from hospital.
"These and other challenges are impacting on patient flow within our sites and, in turn, waiting times in our emergency unit.
"In this instance, we sincerely apologise for the delays and experience for Mr Evans, and our concerns team are in touch with him to respond directly to the concerns raised."
There are currently 1,000 beds in Welsh hospitals occupied by medically fit people who cannot secure care and thus cannot be released from A&E.
As a result, more than 8,800 patients waited more than 12 hours to be admitted to A&E in Wales during November.
