HILLINGDON Hospital says it is under 'unprecedented pressure' because of an outbreak of flu and swine in the borough.

Nine patients are in intensive care and the hospital says it has even had to cancel operations to cope with the outbreak.

The hospital in Pield Heath Road, Hillingdon, is currently working through the outbreak, and is encouraging people who have flu-like symptoms not to come to accident and emergency and to attempt to recover at home, as services are currently overstretched.

A spokesperson said: "Hillingdon Hospital has been dealing with a lot of cases of flu and swine flu, with patients in intensive care.

"Many of the patients are elderly, and have respiratory problems, but children have also been affected too. The hospital is under unprecedented pressure.

"At the most the hospital usually has up to five patients on ventilators in intensive care, at the moment there are nine.

"We have also had to cancel operations, although not those of the most serious nature."

The hospital were unable to place an exact figure on patients admitted to the hospital with flu symptoms.

Have you, or somebody you know been struck down by swine flu? E-mail editorialuxbridge@trinitysouth.co.uk or call the News desk on 01895451000.

NHS Hillingdon were able to offer the following advice:

There are increasing instances of people being confirmed with seasonal and H1N1 (swine) flu across London. Not only can this be a debilitating illness for people, but it also puts pressure on A&E and other services at Hillingdon Hospital.

We therefore urge all carers and those 'at risk' to contact their GP and arrange to be vaccinated. People 'at risk' are:

- 65 or over

- pregnant women

- have a serious/chronic medical condition

- live in a residential or nursing home

- are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if they fall ill.

It is common for flu cases to increase in the winter months. For the majority of people flu remains a mild illness and most will recover after just a few days. You should however always contact your GP if your symptoms persist or get worse.

· People should not go to A&E if they suspect they have flu. If you have flu-like symptoms, it is important that you call your GP directly if:

- you have a serious existing illness that weakens your immune system, such as cancer

- you are pregnant

- you have a sick child under one year old

- your condition suddenly gets much worse

- your condition is still getting worse after seven days (five days for a child).

Preventing the spread of germs is the single most effective way to slow the spread of diseases such as flu. You should always:

- wash your hands regularly with soap and water

- clean surfaces regularly to get rid of germs

- use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze

- place used tissues in a bin as soon as possible.

If you feel unwell, and to reduce pressures at Hillingdon Hospital A&E at this time and at anytime during the year, you can:

- phone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit www.nhs.uk/nhsdirect

- make an appointment with your GP, or out of hours call the GP out of hours service on 0300 130 3018

- visit the Hayes Town Medical Centre, 52 Station Road, Hayes, open 365 days a year from

8am to 8pm, 01895 486020. You don’t need to make an appointment, simply walk-in

- visit the Minor Injuries Unit at Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, 01923 844 332.

999 and A&E are for serious accidents and medical emergencies only.