Ebola Nurse 'Could Remain Critical'

8 January 2015, 15:43 | Updated: 8 January 2015, 15:44

British nurse Pauline Cafferkey, who is being treated in a London hospital after contracting Ebola in Sierra Leone, could remain in a critical condition for "some time'', her family has said.

British nurse Pauline Cafferkey, who is being treated in a London hospital after contracting Ebola in Sierra Leone, could remain in a critical condition for "some time'', her family has said.

Relatives said in a statement: "We would like to thank all our friends, family and the members of the public who have contacted us with support following Pauline's diagnosis with Ebola. We have been very touched by the kind words.

"Pauline continues to be in a critical condition at the Royal Free Hospital. We want to thank all the staff caring for her for their kindness, support and compassion. Pauline's condition could remain the same for some time and we would again ask for her and our privacy to be respected.''

Ms Cafferkey was diagnosed with Ebola following her return to Glasgow from Sierra Leone where she had been a volunteer with Save the Children at the Ebola Treatment Centre in Kerry Town.

Officials from Public Health England and Health Protection Scotland are reviewing the UK's screening procedures for Ebola after it emerged Ms Cafferkey, 39, had been cleared to fly from London to Glasgow despite her temperature being checked seven times after she landed at Heathrow.

The nurse from Cambuslang was admitted to an isolation facility at Glasgow's Gartnavel Hospital on December 29.

After a blood sample tested positive for Ebola, she was transferred by military plane to the Royal Free Hospital the following day. Her condition deteriorated in the new year and remains critical.

Save the Children has launched an investigation into how she was infected but admits it may never establish the exact circumstances.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said Ms Cafferkey "continues to receive the best possible care''.