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Hepatitis scare at hospital
THE Royal Free has contacted around 100 patients amid fears they may have been infected with a blood virus in the Hampstead hospital.
Patients may have been exposed to a “slight risk” of hepatitis C, a spokesman
confirmed on Tuesday.
The scare follows an investigation last autumn after concerns were raised that “a patient was very likely infected during a stay at the hospital”.
He added: “Staff have been working to carefully review patients’ notes to identify those who may be at any conceivable risk of infection. Letters have now been sent to around 100 patients who were cared for in the same ward as the patient during the eight weeks in the winter of 2007/08.
“The risk of hepatitis C infection being passed from one patient to another is very low indeed. However, patients are being contacted in order to give them the option of counselling and testing.”
Hepatitis C is a virus causing inflammation of the liver.
It is mainly transmitted by blood to blood contact, or sexual intercourse, kissing or sharing food or drink.
It is not clear how the patient was infected during their stay in the hospital.
All staff involved with direct care of the patient have all tested negative.
Anyone concerned is advised to contact the NHS Choices website. |
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