14 swine flu admissions to LVH over Christmas

The figures were obtained by local assembly member Jonathan Craig in response to a written question at Stormont.

He was told that 14 people were admitted with swine flu between December 23 and January 5. Only one person was admitted with seasonal flu over the same period.

Mr Craig expressed his concern over the number of people who had been hit with the illness.

"The admission figures for Lagan Valley Hospital for those with swine flu are shocking and reflect the province wide trend in swine flu cases" he said.

"We clearly experienced a swine flu pandemic, perhaps worse than the anticipated pandemic last year.

"It is clear that Lagan Valley Hospital played a vital role in treating and admitting those in need of constant care and treatment."

He added: "At a time when we fear services being cut at the Lagan Valley, the local hospital clearly played a pivotal role in managing a difficult situation which wasn't forecast.

"I would like to thank all the staff at the hospital for dealing with this crisis and managing the treatment of those who needed it."