Anti-flu drugs for maternity workers (From Daily Echo)

Mums-to-be reassured after Southampton midwife contracts swine flu

10:14am Wednesday 1st July 2009 in Education By Julian Robinson, Eastleigh Chief Reporter

The Princess Anne Hospital

UP to 17 maternity workers have been handed anti-viral drugs after a midwife at a Southampton hospital contracted swine flu.

The precautionary measure was taken after a midwife at the Princess Anne Hospital developed the most serious A/H1N1 strain of the disease following a trip to the USA.

Health bosses last night urged mums-to-be not to panic but admitted staff who had come in contact with the victim may also have come in contact with patients.

The midwife, who has not been identified, is said to be recovering at home after being diagnosed with the virus on Sunday.

Since the weekend, members of staff have been handed the anti-viral drug Tamiflu and told to stay at work unless they show symptoms of the disease.

A Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust spokesman was unable to say whether those staff worked at both Princess Anne and Southampton General Hospital.

But he added: “In line with national guidance, they will continue to work unless they display any symptoms – people with swine flu can only transmit the virus to other people if they have already developed symptoms.

“If a member of staff develops symptoms, they will cease to work immediately.

“Staff health is being checked prior to each shift undertaken.

“Staff have been reminded about the need to be alert to feeling unwell and to go home immediately if they experience any flu-like symptoms.

“Both the Princess Anne and Southampton General Hospital continue to operate as normal.

“Women are advised that they should continue to contact their midwife in the normal way with any issues regarding their pregnancy.”

An information line has been set up for those with concerns about swine flu – the number is 023 8079 6052.