THERE are no intensive care beds left at Whipps Cross Hospital, as staff deal with one confirmed case of swine flu and another seven suspected cases, including two children.

But the hospital says it is "coping well" with the numbers of suspected cases due to an increase in isolation facilities since December.

One confirmed case of swine flu (H1N1) and three other suspected cases are currently being treated in intensive care.

Two children are currently undergoing tests for H1N1, as are two patients on other wards.

There has also been a number of confirmed cases of norovirus, or winter vomiting bug, over the last week, but the hospital says it is consistent with the increase in the numbers of cases reported in the community.

Last year, the hospital was sealed off to the public and visitors after five wards were closed due to an outbreak of the virus, which causes projectile vomiting and diarrhoea.

A spokeswoman said: “The trust has put in place heightened vigilance and awareness for norovirus including infection control measures which are in line with national guidelines for the management of norovirus cases.

“Identified active cases are isolated immediately – if a second case occurs in the same area the ward is closed and reviewed.”