Update on visiting at Prince Philip Hospital

7 October 2026

The site-wide visiting restrictions at Prince Philip Hospital (PPH) have been lifted today, Wednesday 7 October, following a review of the current scabies position.

Wards 4 and 7 have completed the required environmental cleaning and have reopened. 

Visiting can therefore return to normal arrangements across PPH, with the exception of Mynydd Mawr Rehabilitation Unit, where restricted visiting will remain in place at present. Please contact the ward regarding visiting patients. 

We continue to see patients presenting to hospital with scabies acquired in the community, rather than cases necessarily being linked to the hospital outbreaks.

As a precaution, visitors who have an unexplained rash, itching or suspected/confirmed scabies should not visit until they have sought appropriate advice and completed any required treatment.

The position at Mynydd Mawr Rehabilitation Unit will continue to be reviewed, with visiting restrictions lifted when it is appropriate to do so.

Sharon Daniel, Executive Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “We are pleased that many of the affected wards have now safely reopened and would like to thank our patients, staff, visitors and local communities for their patience, understanding and support while measures were put in place to manage this situation.

“The safety and wellbeing of our patients remains our highest priority, and we are grateful for the cooperation shown by everyone involved.

“While the wards have reopened, we would encourage people to continue following the advice and guidance available. Good hygiene practices, seeking advice if symptoms develop, and following treatment recommendations where required all play an important role in helping to reduce the spread of scabies.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners to monitor the situation and provide updates where necessary. We would like to reassure the public that the risk remains low, and services are operating safely.”

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.

For further information about scabies and how to identify and treat scabies visit our Scabies: What you need to know page (opens in a new window).