February 27, 2001 13:02: With reference to your article (News Shopper, January 31), referring to the closure of three wards at Queen Mary's Hospital due to a vomiting virus outbreak.

In the interest of the health and safety of patients and staff, when the hospital employs outside staff to work in their kitchens, are they instructed in matters of hygiene or are they medically checked?

P G B Argent

Woolwich Road

Bexleyheath