Hepatitis C alert for 8,000 patients across the UK

More than 8,300 patients across the UK who may have been treated by a former healthcare worker who tested positive for hepatitis C are being urged to arrange a blood test after two infected patients were found.

The worker did not return to clinical practice after testing positive in 2008 but NHS Lanarkshire is now working with other health boards across the UK to notify people who may have had a surgical procedure carried out by the individual between 1982 and 2008.

The operative worked in hospitals across Lanarkshire during the period, mainly in Wishaw General Hospital and the former Law Hospital.

And for three months between January and April 2006 they were based at the William Harvey Hospital in Kent.

When the worker initially tested positive in 2008, the UK Advisory Panel (UKAP) said patients did not need to be warned as the risk was thought to be low, but two cases have now emerged.

The health board said: “After detailed investigations, including extensive testing of viruses, NHS Lanarkshire submitted a report to UKAP. UKAP endorsed NHS Lanarkshire’s proposal to carry out a patient notification exercise.

“Patients are receiving a detailed question-andanswer sheet with their letter which includes information about hepatitis C and how to arrange to be tested.”

In total, 8,383 patients will receive letters informing them of the situation, urging them to arrange a blood test.

The NHS said it does not have any noticeable symptoms until the liver has been significantly damaged, meaning people can have the infection without realising it.