MORE cases of Swine Flu are being reported as predicted by health bosses who are preparing for a winter pandemic.

The number of people with swine flu admitted to West Midlands hospitals this week was 69, compared with 40 last week. On Wednesday (Sep 30) a total 32 inpatients with the H1N1 virus were being treated in hospital.

Your Worcester News has previously reported that Worcestershire NHS is doubling the number of critical care beds within county hospitals from 13 to 26 in a bid to cope with a swine flu pandemic which estimates suggest could cause more than 1,600 people to hospitalised and 165 deaths.

The health trust has also announced plans to vaccinate thousands of frontline staff.

Dr Rashmi Shukla, regional director public health for NHS West Midlands, said: “Over the last week we have seen further increases across the region in the numbers of people reporting flu-like symptoms. This is not unexpected and we would like to remind people that they should continue to adhere to good respiratory and hand hygiene practices to reduce the chances of the virus spreading”.

Call 0800 1513100 or visit nhs.uk/swineflu for further advice.