Swine flu possibility at hospital

Five patients at the hospital have reported flu-like symptoms

Patients and staff at a hospital in Guernsey are being treated for a possible outbreak of swine flu.

Five patients at Castel Hospital, which treats people with mental health problems, have reported flu-like symptoms over the past three days.

Tests are being carried out on the five suspected cases and the results should be known by Wednesday.

All patients and staff at the hospital have been offered anti-viral drugs as a precautionary measure.

People are being advised not to visit the Castel Hospital if they are not feeling well or if they are in an "at risk" group.

Dr Stephen Bridgman, director of public health, said procedures at the hospital had been instigated as if the cases were confirmed as swine flu.

A total of 16 cases of swine flu have been confirmed in the Bailiwick.