Updated: 3pm

Statement from the Cafferkey family:

“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.”

Sunday 4 January, 2pm

The Royal Free London is currently treating a patient for the Ebola virus in a high level isolation unit. There is no danger to patients or staff during this time. The Royal Free Hospital is open for business as usual, with in-patient, out-patient and emergency care continuing as normal.

Saturday 3 January, 2pm

The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust is sorry to announce that the condition of Pauline Cafferkey has gradually deteriorated over the past two days and is now critical.

Wednesday 31 December, 3.45pm

We would like to confirm that our patient Pauline Cafferkey is sitting up in bed, talking and reading.

After careful consideration Pauline decided that she would like to have blood plasma treatment and take an experimental anti-viral drug.

Dr Michael Jacobs, infectious diseases consultant at the Royal Free London, said: “We are giving her the very best care possible. However, the next few days will be crucial. The disease has a variable course and we will know much more in a week’s time.”

Tuesday 30 December, 3.55pm

The Royal Free London can confirm it is treating Pauline Cafferkey, 39, from Glasgow in Scotland for the Ebola virus.

A trained nurse, Ms Cafferkey worked in Sierra Leone as a volunteer before returning to the UK on 28 December 2014.

Ms Cafferkey has asked that her privacy is respected.

Tuesday 30 December, 8.30am

The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust can confirm that a patient is being treated for Ebola at the high level isolation unit at the Royal Free Hospital.

Monday 29 December

The Royal Free London can confirm that it is expecting to receive a patient who has tested positive for Ebola.

The patient will be treated in the high level isolation unit (HLIU).

What is a high level isolation unit?
The HLIU is run by a dedicated team of doctors, nurses and laboratory staff from the department of infection. Access to the unit is restricted to these specially trained medical staff. The HLIU is designed to ensure our medical staff can safely treat a patient with a dangerous infectious disease such as Ebola. A specially-designed tent, with controlled ventilation, is set up around the patient’s bed and allows the staff to provide clinical care while containing the infection. There are various facilities in place, including a specific entrance for the patient, sterilisers which de-contaminate waste and a dedicated laboratory for carrying out tests, all of which help to ensure the patient can be treated safely and securely.

Notes to editors

We will not be facilitating any filming or request for interviews with our patient or with staff working in the HLIU.

We have pooled general filming of the unit with BBC and ITV. To receive this film contact the BBC via 087 1050 5797 and ask for the health news desk, or for ITV phone 020 7157 3000 and ask for the health news desk.

Any further updates will be available via PA and on our website.