Swine flu surge causes critical shortage in intensive care beds for children

Doctors last night warned of a critical shortage of intensive care beds for children – because of the surge in swine flu.

Dr Kevin Morris, of the Paediatric Intensive Care Society, said: “We are virtually in a situation where there isn’t a single paediatric intensive care bed left in the country. This is the worst crisis within living memory.”

The H1N1 strain of swine flu has killed 39 people so far this winter, four under the age of five.

Dr Morris added: “We have a situation where a sick child can’t get an intensive care bed in large parts of the country – which means children are having to travel some distance to find a bed.

“We have not had any reports that so far a child has suffered, but with so few beds to play with anything is possible.”

About one in five of the 305 child intensive care hospital beds is now taken up with critically ill youngsters with suspected swine flu. Last night there were just 15 left.

The system could reach breaking point next week as a boom in cases of both seasonal flu and swine flu in children is expected.

Meanwhile, some surgeries and pharmacies warned yesterday they have run out of the swine flu vaccine and Tamiflu medicine.

A Department of Health spokesman said: “There may be local short-term supply problems because it is up to pharmacists to make sure they have ordered sufficient stock.

“Any problems should be shortlived with new stocks of medicines being delivered within 24 hours.”

With many GP surgeries closed over the festive break, patients have relied on NHS Direct, but callers have had to wait up to four hours to speak to a nurse. The hotline’s Sally McMillan said: “These are exceptional circumstances.”

Bungling Health Secretary Andrew Lansley hastily re-instated the winter flu ad campaign this week after criticism for axing it.

Bridegroom dies of suspected swine flu in Wrexham

A Wrexham father has died of suspected swine flu on Boxing Day, just 10 days after his wedding.

Martin Clorley, 37, became ill two days after his marriage to Nicola Bartley, 39, at Wrexham Register Office.

The father of two young children and a stepdaughter died a short time after being taken to Wrexham Maelor Hospital on Boxing Day morning.

“How can somebody get the flu and then be dead? He was a healthy person,” his wife asked.

The family are understood to live in Coedpoeth where she works at a chemist’s. The couple had been together for 12 years.

“He was a big-hearted man who doted on the children,” she told the Leader newspaper.

“I’ve got a pile of wedding cards and another pile of sympathy cards.

“I want answers but really, nothing will help.”

The Daily Post newspaper said results of a post-mortem examination on Friday confirmed Mr Clorley had “succumbed” to swine flu.

It is understood an inquest has been opened and adjourned by the north east Wales coroner.