Doctors are treating an “unprecedented” number of suspected swine flu patients in hospitals across Hertfordshire.

Beds across the country are filling up with victims of the H1N1 virus, while official figures show more than 39 people have died from the illness since October.

Watford General Hospital, which takes emergency admissions from across the St Albans area, currently has 19 patients on its wards with confirmed or suspected swine flu, with seven in intensive care.

Natalie Forrest, director of nursing at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “The severe weather conditions over the past few weeks combined with the usual winter illnesses and the combination of long bank holidays is putting significant pressure on the trust.

“We currently have 19 patients with confirmed or suspected swine flu admitted to Watford General, seven of which are requiring intensive care. This is an increase from 5 patients last week, which is putting considerable demand on the service.

“However, the situation is being constantly assessed and patient safety remains our number one priority. Despite many hospital staff also off sick with seasonal illness, we are working incredibly hard to cope with the unprecedented demand and to help ensure everyone gets the right help they need.”

The East and North Hertfordshire NHS Hospitals Trust, which runs the QEII and Lister hospitals in Welwyn Garden City and Stevenage, said it did not have exact admissions figures but said it was “coping well.”

Contingency plans are also in place at the trust to open up additional beds.

Director of operations Neil Dardis said: “The Christmas and New Year period tends to see a rise in emergency admissions, which has been exacerbated by the recent period of snow and ice.

"The reported high levels of winter ailments, such as 'flu and Norovirus infections, just add to the pressures we face at this time of the year…but all our services - including emergency care - are available to those who need them."