Health Focus: Swine Flu

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Health Correspondent Marie-Louise Connolly talks to the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, about swine flu.

The health minister has apologised to the family of a Londonderry schoolgirl, who died last week, for a delay in informing them she had swine flu.

Michael McGimpsey said the distress was "clearly unacceptable" and only created further anxiety for the family of 14-year-old Londonderry girl, Orla O'Kane.

Four other children at Orla's school contracted swine flu; three have recovered but one of her classmates is seriously ill in hospital.

Mr McGimpsey said urgent action was being taken on a number of matters.

Fresh guidelines are also being drawn up regarding funeral arrangements for those with the virus.

The Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, has been talking to BBC Newsline.

BBC Newsline website

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Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has apologised to the family of a 14-year-old Londonderry girl for a delay in telling them she had swine flu.