Restricted visiting at Prince Philip Hospital

27 September 2026

Due to an outbreak of scabies, visiting to Prince Philip Hospital is being restricted from today, Sunday 27 September.

Scabies is a common skin condition caused by a microscopic mite and can affect people of all ages. While it is highly contagious through prolonged skin-to-skin contact or shared bedding or clothing, with partners and household members, it is not usually associated with serious illness and can be treated effectively. It is important to note that scabies is not linked to poor personal hygiene, and anyone can be affected.

A number of scabies cases are currently being managed in healthcare and community settings across the Hywel Dda area. The risk to the wider public remains low. 

Sharon Daniel, Executive Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience at Hywel Dda University Health Board, explains: “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. 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. This does not impact services provided by the Minor Injury Unit.”

Further information about scabies and how to identify and treat it can be found on the Hywel Dda website at: https://hduhb.nhs.wales/news/press-releases/scabies-what-you-need-to-know/ (opens in a new window)

The situation is being reviewed regularly and updates will be shared on the Health Board’s website.