Visiting caution at Prince Philip Hospital

Hospital visitors to Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli, are being asked to only attend if they are free of any potential flu-like symptoms, or any sickness symptoms, and visitors will be requested to wear masks before entry to wards.

Seasonal flu is affecting patients on several wards and infection prevention actions are being taken. Visitors are asked to only come if they are free of any infections and to wash hands and wear face masks, which can be provided on the wards.

Visiting the Acute Medical Assessment Unit is restricted further, and is by arrangement with the ward sister only.

Specific requests to visit will be considered on an individual basis. This arrangement will be reviewed daily, and restrictions will be lifted as soon as possible.

Deputy Head of Nursing at Prince Philp Hospital Meinir Williams said: “Within affected wards all staff are wearing masks and visiting is limited to help stop the spread.

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

“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 very dangerous if you are clinically vulnerable. ”

Vaccination centres will be open, no appointment needed on the 27th, 30th and 31st December for all people eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccination. This includes children aged 2 (on 31 August 2024) to those in year 11 who can access the nasal flu vaccine at the centres.

Drop in any time between 09.15am 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 6 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 6 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