Hywel Dda University Health Board has taken the decision to close wards at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli for the safety of patients and staff
Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli(Image: Robert Melen)
Several wards at a Welsh hospital have been closed off to members of the public because of the rapid spread of a vomiting and sickness bug. The decision has been taken by Hywel Dda University Health Board after an outbreak of norovirus at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire.
The health board has asked visitors not to attend the site until further notice. The decision to temporarily close the wards to all but essential visitors has been taken due to cases of norovirus circulating both within the hospital and within in the local community.
According to the NHS, norovirus, also called the ‘winter vomiting bug’, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here.
Hywel Dda has said that while four wards are currently closed at Prince Philip Hospital, restrictions apply to the whole site.
Some essential visiting will be allowed in exceptional circumstances, and visitors are being asked to contact the wards or the main hospital switchboard for further guidance.
The restrictions will be in place until health bosses consider it safe enough to reopen the wards, with the situation being monitored on a regular basis.
“We have taken the decision to restrict all but essential visiting to Prince Philip hospital in order to keep patients and staff safe and to halt the spread of norovirus, which is currently circulating in our local community,” said Sharon Daniel, the health board’s director of nursing, quality, and patient experience.
“I know this will be difficult for those who have loved ones in hospital and we will re-open the wards as soon as it is safe to do so. Please keep an eye on our website or social media for further updates.
“I would like to remind visitors that you should only come to our sites if you are feeling well. This helps us limit the spread of viruses and protect our most vulnerable patients.
“It also helps us to keep staff well, so that they can look after those in greatest need of our care.
“There are several ways people can support our NHS during this time. Please follow the mask wearing guidance. Also, please ensure that you wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water.
“This closure is due to norovirus but an effective way to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and well this winter is to have a flu vaccination.
“More information on where you can have your vaccine, including RSV and COVID-19 boosters if you are eligible, is on our website.
“Thank you to our communities, our patients, and our staff for all your support in looking after one another.”
All other Hywel Dda hospital sites are operating as normal, but visitors are being asked not to visit friends and relatives if they have symptoms of flu, sickness or diarrhoea and to wear masks when attending all sites.
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