He added the new swine flu hotline could not have been set up any earlier, because outbreaks were still being seen in isolation until a few weeks ago.

Later in the afternoon, the MP took a trip to University Hospital Aintree, in Fazakerley, to announce the launch of a £25m Government apprenticeship scheme.

The Merseyside site has benefited from 80 new starters as a result.

Apprentice Joe Aspinall, 21, from Halewood, said: “I was previously an apprentice with a private company, which had been unable to sustain the scheme due to the economic downturn.

“I am now studying for a BTEC in electronic engineering and the programme has helped me to develop a number of key skills. “The work here at Aintree hospital is really varied and interesting.

“I would definitely recommend the scheme to other young people who are perhaps unsure about what they want to do.”

Mr Burnham added: “The NHS is the largest employer in the country and it can help us through the recession.

“We are keen to do more with apprenticeships as they provide the organisation with a pool of enthusiastic talent and offer young people excellent career opportunities.

“University Hospital Aintree has led the way in making it a priority to support local young people and is a good model.”