Two staff members from Lewisham hospital are in isolation after a woman later diagnosed with coronavirus arrived unannounced after falling ill.

The unnamed patient, said to be a Chinese woman, turned up at the hospital in an Uber on Sunday after falling ill.

The patient was later discharged and taken home by ambulance servies. 

Test results confirmed her diagnosis on Wednesday, and she was subsequently taken to St Thomas’. 

Live updates: Lewisham hospital staff in isolation after Coronavirus patient arrives

Ben Travis, Chief Executive, said: "There has been a confirmed case of Coronavirus from a patient who self-presented at the A&E department of University Hospital Lewisham on Sunday February 9.

"The test result was confirmed as positive on Wednesday February 12 and we have been in touch with all staff who came into contact with the patient. The patient went to St Thomas’ yesterday evening.

"Our colleagues in our emergency departments are following the latest advice and protocols from Public Health England."

The hospital said the patient was taken to a "purpose built pod" and did not come into contact with other patients.

The statement continues: "In this case, the patient self-presented at our A&E.

"As soon as the patient did this, the patient was given a mask and then escorted to be tested in the dedicated area we have assigned for Coronavirus testing outside the A&E building – while awaiting the installation of a purpose-built “pod”.

"As further assessment was required, the patient was then taken to a dedicated isolation room in the Emergency Department.

"In line with our protocols, throughout their care, the patient was escorted and did not come into contact with other patients. The patient was later discharged and taken home by London Ambulance Service.

"All staff who had direct contact with the patient have been contacted, including two members of staff who are undergoing active surveillance at home for a 14 day period as a precautionary measure – following the advice of Public Health England."

"Finally, I’d like to pass on my thanks to all the staff in our emergency departments for their continued professionalism and dedication to patient care."