Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli has restricted visitors amid an ongoing scabies outbreak that has affected the area for several months. Health officials confirmed that a number of wards are currently closed due to infection, with cases being managed in healthcare and community settings across the Hywel Dda University Health Board area, which includes Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire.
Visitor restrictions and ward closures
The health board has declined to specify which wards have been closed or whether certain wards have been disproportionately affected. Patients scheduled for appointments at the facility may face disruption due to the restrictions, with health officials stating they will endeavour to notify individuals “as soon as possible.” The minor injury unit is not impacted by the measures.
Sharon Daniel, executive director of nursing, quality, and patient experience at Hywel Dda, confirmed the new measures: “We have taken the decision to restrict visitors to Prince Philip Hospital today to limit the spread of scabies on our site and in our community.”
Treatment and prevention measures
Daniel added: “A number of wards are currently closed due to infection and we need the support and understanding of our communities to limit further spread. We are taking direct action to treat patients, staff, and contacts, and undertake deep cleaning of our wards, in line with infection prevention control measures.”
“Scabies is highly contagious and difficult to eradicate and we are grateful to everyone for their continued support. We will be contacting individuals whose planned care appointments may be impacted by this as soon as possible.”
Background and impact
The NHS describes scabies as an irritating skin condition triggered by mites. Primary symptoms include severe itching, particularly during night-time hours, and/or an elevated rash or blemishes appearing on the skin. While the condition typically doesn't result in severe medical complications, it spreads extremely easily and is generally transmitted via direct skin contact or through sharing bed linen or garments.
In July, a ward at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen was shut down after a scabies outbreak, with an “increased prevalence” of the infestation recorded across the region.
