A former nurse of 20 years and parliamentary political secretary for Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Health, Ms Moffat was full of praise for medical staff at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary saying: "I am in very good hands.

"I feel secure in the treatment I am getting. As a former nurse, I am now seeing it from the other side. I was hoping to get out of hospital on Tuesday (May 26) but the haematologist wants to keep me in as a precaution and for further tests, and investigations.

"I have already had one blood transfusion and I may be getting another."

Headache

Ms Moffat (51) became unwell at her Cockenzie home in the early hours of the morning a week past Monday.

Speaking from her hospital bed on Tuesday, she told the News: "I had a high temperature and excruciating headache.

"I was feeling sick and shivering. I contacted NHS 24 and got an out-patient appointment for 2.30am and a friend took me to hospital by car."

Full report in East Lothian News, May 29, 2009