Margaret Thatcher admitted to hospital

Former British prime minister undergoes precautionary tests for a flu-related infection

Published October 19, 2010 9:21PM (EDT)

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has been admitted to the hospital following a recent bout of flu, officials said Tuesday.

Prime Minister David Cameron's office said he wished the former leader a "speedy recovery."

"We understand from Lady Thatcher's office that she has been admitted to hospital for precautionary tests following her recent bout of flu," a Downing Street statement said.

Thatcher, who was prime minister from 1979 to 1990, had to skip a reception in honor of her 85th birthday last week because of the flu. She wrote a letter of apology to the 150 friends and colleagues who attended the reception, which was hosted by Cameron at 10 Downing Street.

Thatcher has suffered from a series of health problems in recent years. In 2008 she became ill during a dinner and had to spend the night in the hospital as a precaution. She was later given a clean bill of health.

The BBC quoted an unnamed spokesman as saying the former leader's condition is not serious and she is expected to be home in a few days. Reports said she was being treated in a private hospital in London.

Sky News said Thatcher is still troubled by an infection related to the flu and her aides called in a doctor to assess her condition on Tuesday. She was then taken to the hospital for tests, the report said quoting unnamed people close to the former Conservative leader.

Her spokesmen did not immediately return calls from The Associated Press seeking details of her condition Tuesday.


By Associated Press

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