SIX of the deaths linked to swine flu in England have been in the West Midlands, according to the regional health authority.

The number of new infections in England has doubled in the past week with an estimated 100,000 new cases.

The Sentinel reported yesterday how one of Stoke-on-Trent's largest medical practices has warned patients may lose out, because it is so busy coping with a steep rise in cases of suspected swine flu.

The Mayfield surgery, in Longton, has been swamped with 70 to 80 people suffering symptoms of the pandemic in the past week and issued around 50 prescriptions for the Tamiflu drug.

Sean Woodward, spokesman for the North Staffordshire Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said: "There has been a rise in numbers, but symptoms have thankfully been very mild in North Staffordshire."

Nationally, the death toll stands at 26.

Of the six who have died in the West Midlands region, five are believed to have had serious underlying health conditions.

NHS West Midlands said a total of 82 people who have tested positive for swine flu or are displaying symptoms are being treated in hospitals across the region, including four people in intensive care units.