Bronllys Hospital restricts visiting due to scabies outbreak

The Powys Teaching Health Board has implemented temporary visiting restrictions on Llewelyn Ward at Bronllys Hospital near Talgarth. The decision follows the confirmation of a small number of scabies cases on the ward, which serves as a ‘Ready to Go Home’ unit.

Gareth Thomas, the health board’s Head of Nursing for Infection Prevention and Control, stated that while the number of cases remains low, the proactive measures are intended to protect patients, staff, and visitors. Patients and staff on the ward are currently undergoing treatment to prevent further spread of the highly contagious skin condition.

Scabies is caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin and can be transmitted through prolonged skin-to-skin contact or by sharing items such as bedding, clothing, and towels. The health board noted that the risk to the wider public remains low and emphasized that the condition is not linked to personal hygiene.