Report criticises care at Llandudno Hospital's Beuno Ward
Patients could not be assured of a "safe and effective service" on one ward at Llandudno Hospital, according to a critical inspection report.
It blamed a lack of effective management and leadership, saying staffing issues on Beuno Ward also presented "significant challenges".
It said the quality of patients' meal-time experience was one area affected.
Betsi Cadwaladr health board has been asked to comment on the report by the Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW).
HIW officials carried out the unannounced inspection on the medical ward last September.
The health board has since drawn up an action plan to tackle the issues raised, said the HIW.
"Overall, the inspection team concluded that given the number of concerns they identified during this inspection, patients could not be assured that they would routinely receive a safe and effective service," said the report.
"This was because despite the dedication and hard work of the ward team, staffing issues (numbers, resilience and skill mix) and the lack of effective management and leadership was contributing to the day to day challenges and pressures being experienced by staff."