West Middlesex Hospital says it has 'robust procedures' in place to deal with an outbreak of the deadly virus Ebola.

Staff have been trained to assess and identify suspected cases of the disease, and told how to act if there is a positive diagnosis, a hospital spokesman today told getwestlondon.

The action plan has already been successfully tested on travellers returning from West Africa, where the World Health Organisation says the virus is now entrenched, added the spokesman.

The Government this week announced some passengers arriving at UK airports would be screened for Ebola, which has killed more than 3,000 people in Africa during the latest outbreak.

Although Heathrow has said the risk of a traveller contracting the virus is low, the hospital's proximity to the airport means it must be prepared for the worst.

A West Mid spokesman said most of the initial symptoms for Ebola were general, such as a fever and headache, and it followed guidance from Public Health England in assessing patients for the disease.

"For suspected cases we would initially test for malaria, as this is the most likely cause of symptoms, particularly for people who have recently been in West Africa. While waiting for the results of the test strict isolation procedures would be followed, including the use of special equipment to protect staff and other patients.

"In the event of a confirmed case of Ebola we would liaise with the Royal Free Hospital in London, where the nearest high level isolation unit is located,  to transfer the patient there.

"Whilst there is no cure for Ebola, patients would receive supportive treatment including rehydration. The risk of Ebola to the UK remains very low."

A Heathrow spokeswoman said: "We would like to reassure passengers that the Government assesses the risk of a traveller contracting Ebola to be low.

"The welfare of our passengers and colleagues is always our main priority and we are working with Government to support the implementation of the additional screening measures.

"We would encourage anybody with individual questions or concerns to refer to guidance from the Foreign Office and Public Health England."