The family of the first British ebola patient has praised the treatment he is receiving at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead.

William Pooley, 29, is being treated for ebola at the hospital in Pond Street, Hampstead. His family has said that they “could not ask for him to be in a better place.”

Mr Pooley contracted the virus while volunteering as a nurse in Sierra Leone. He was flown back to the UK for emergency treatment in an isolation unit at the hospital. The hospital has the only high level isolation unit in the country where ebola patients can be treated.

In a statement, his family praised the “excellent care” he is receiving. They also said: “We have been astounded by the speed and way which the various international and UK government agencies have worked together to get Will home.”

His family also asked for people to remember those in parts of the world suffering with the virus who do not have access to the same healthcare facilities as Will.

Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, has contacted Dominic Dodd, chair of the hospital, about the situation.

Ms Villiers said: "I emphasised how vital it is that every precaution is taken to prevent the spread of the infection. I also stressed the importance of keeping NHS staff and the public informed about the situation so that they can be confident that the risk of infection in this country continues to be low.

"I send my best wishes to Mr Pooley for a full recovery. His work in caring for ebola patients was incredibly brave. His family must be very proud of him. I’m sure he is getting the best possible care at the Royal Free.”