A MIDWIFE at a Southampton maternity unit has been diagnosed with swine flu, the Daily Echo can reveal.

Health bosses say members of staff at Princess Anne Hospital have been issued with the anti-viral drug Tamiflu as a precaution after a maternity worker was identified as having caught the most serious A/H1N1 strain of the disease.

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The midwife, whose identity has not been revealed, had returned from overseas before being diagnosed - but has not come into direct contact with patients.

Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust has told staff to stay at work and confirmed the victim is recovering at home.

A Trust spokesman said: "This precautionary measure was taken in line with national guidance and the individual concerned, who is recovering well at home, has not had any direct patient contact since developing the symptoms.

"Maternity services at the Princess Anne Hospital continue to operate as normal. As a result of the confirmed case, staff have today been reminded that if they experience any flu-like symptoms they should remain at home.

"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 anyone with concerns about swine flu on 023 80796052."