Hywel Dda University Health Board confirmed that four wards at the Llanelli hospital have been shut from today, with restrictions applying across the entire site. The board is urging people not to visit unless absolutely essential.
The move comes as norovirus continues to circulate both in the hospital and in the wider community. The highly contagious virus causes vomiting and diarrhoea and can spread rapidly in healthcare settings.
Health board says closures are needed to protect patients and staff
Sharon Daniel, Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience at Hywel Dda UHB, said:
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.
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.
The health board says essential visiting may still be allowed in exceptional circumstances, but families are being asked to contact wards directly for advice.
The situation will be reviewed regularly, and restrictions will remain in place until further notice.
Other Hywel Dda hospitals remain open — but public urged to stay away if unwell
All other Hywel Dda hospital sites are operating normally, but visitors are being urged not to attend if they have symptoms of flu, sickness or diarrhoea. Mask‑wearing is also being encouraged across all clinical areas.
Sharon Daniel added:
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.
The health board is also reminding people to wash their hands regularly with soap and warm water, and to consider flu, RSV and COVID‑19 vaccinations if eligible.
Follows earlier warning from Swansea Bay UHB
The closures come just days after Swansea Bay University Health Board issued an open letter urging people to stay away from Morriston Hospital unless absolutely necessary, after norovirus forced ward closures there too.
Both health boards say community transmission is contributing to the pressure on hospitals.
More information on vaccinations is available via Hywel Dda’s website or by calling 0300 303 8322.
