15 people taken ill at private Staffordshire function

FIFTEEN people had to be treated by medics after suddenly falling ill during a private function at a social club, the ambulance service said yesterday.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the club in Rocester, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, late on Friday night after reports that a number of people had suddenly become ill.

Six ambulances, a senior officer, an incident support officer, a doctor, the hazardous area response team and an emergency planning officer were sent to the scene.

An ambulance service spokeswoman said: "On arrival at the scene crews found a number of patients who had suddenly become ill during a private function.

"Fifteen people were found to be suffering sudden onset of symptoms that included diarrhoea and vomiting.

"The patients were all clinically assessed, managed and treated at the scene with three of the 15 requiring further hospital treatment.

"Further 999 calls were made to the trust's emergency operations centre from a number of people who had become ill at home who had attended the event. Medical advice was provided to these patients."

She said anyone who had attended the event and developed diarrhoea and vomiting should stay at home and make sure they drink lots of water, adding: "If any blood is being passed or if symptoms persist for more than 24 hours patients should contact their GP or NHS Direct."