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Temporary hospital visiting precautions in place to protect patients

30 December 2024 (updated on 31 December 2024)

Visitors to hospitals across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire are being asked to only attend if they are free of any potential flu-like symptoms, or any sickness or diarrhoea. Additionally, they may be requested to wear face masks before entry to certain wards or departments. 

Seasonal flu and winter vomiting viruses are affecting patients on several wards with infection prevention and control actions being taken, as necessary.

Visitors are asked to only come to see their loved ones if they are free of any infections, and to wash hands before leaving home and clean hands on arrival at the hospital/ward using the hand sanitiser. Visitors may also be asked to wear face masks/coverings on the ward/department they are visiting. Masks will be available at the hospital entrance or can be provided on affected wards.  

There are additional restrictions in place that limit visitors to:

  • Acute Medical Assessment Unit (AMAU) at Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli. Please discuss individual patient visiting arrangements at AMAU with the nurse in charge.
  • Y Bwa, Hafan y Waun, Aberystwyth. Please discuss individual patient visiting arrangements at Y Bwa with the nurse in charge.
  • Ystwyth Ward, Bronglais Hospital. Please discuss individual patient visiting arrangements at Ystwyth Ward with the nurse in charge.

This arrangement will be reviewed daily, and restrictions will be lifted as soon as possible. The health board’s website will be updated daily with details of wards with enhanced restrictions on visiting.

Janice Cole Williams, Assistant Director of Nursing at Hywel Dda University Health Board
said: “Within affected wards, all staff are wearing masks and visiting is limited at Prince Philip Hospital’s AMAU to help stop spread of infection.

“Our local community can help us avoid outbreaks of infection by not visiting family and friends in hospital if they are feeling unwell themselves. 

“Annual flu vaccination is also undoubtedly the best way to protect against catching or spreading flu. Not only can it prevent you from becoming very unwell, it can also help reduce your risk of secondary infections such as pneumonia, which can be dangerous if you are clinically vulnerable.” 

Vaccination centres are open, with no appointment needed today (Monday), until 5.30pm and tomorrow, Tuesday, December 31 for all people eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. This includes children aged two years (on 31 August 2024) to those in year 11 who can access the nasal flu vaccine at the centres. 

Drop in any time between 9.15am and 5.30pm to your nearest vaccination centre: 

  • Aberaeron (Aberaeron Integrated Care Centre, Vicarage Hill, Aberaeron, SA46 0DY) 
  • Llanelli (Unit 2a, Dafen Industrial Estate, Heol Cropin, SA14 8QW) 
  • Neyland (Unit 1 Honeyborough Retail Park, SA73 1SE) 

The following groups are eligible for vaccination: 

Flu vaccination 

  • Children aged two and three years on 31 August 2024  
  • Children in primary school from reception class to year 6 (inclusive)   
  • Children in secondary school from year 7 to year 11 (inclusive)    
  • People aged six months to 64 years in clinical risk groups    
  • People aged 65 years and older (age on 31 March 2024)    
  • Pregnant women   
  • Carers aged 16 and over  
  • People aged six months to 65 years who live with someone who has a weakened immune system    
  • People with a learning disability   
  • Frontline health and social care workers   
  • All staff working in care homes with regular client contact 
  • Poultry workers at high risk 

COVID-19 vaccination 

  • People aged six months to 64 years with a long-term health condition (which includes pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system) 
  • Residents in a care home for older adults 
  • People aged 65 years and older (age on 31 March 2025) 
  • Unpaid carers 
  • Frontline health and social care workers 
  • Staff working in care homes for older adults 

If you have any questions about accessing the flu and/or COVID-19 vaccine, please phone the health board on 0300 303 8322 option 1 or email: ask.hdd@wales.nhs.uk